Breakdown of latest Public Health Act charges and Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs)

Police have charged three people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 52 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) since the last update.
Charges:

  • Just after 2pm yesterday (Tuesday 14 April 2020) officers from Inner West Police Area Command saw a man known to them on Enmore Road, Newtown. Officers were aware the man had previously been issued with two formal warnings and one $1000 PIN for failing to comply with a ministerial direction. After a short interaction the 45-year-old man was arrested and taken to Newtown Police Station, where he was charged with not comply with noticed direction. He was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Wednesday 15 April 2020).
  • On Monday (13 April 2020) a 52-year-old man attended Royal Prince Alfred Hospital where he was tested for COVID-19. He was told by health officials to self-isolate for 48 hours while he awaited his test results. About 1.30pm the next day (Tuesday 14 April 2020), officers attached to Eastern Beaches Police Area Command attended the man’s residence on a proactive compliance check, where they allegedly witnessed him walk out of his home. The man advised officers he was going to the shops and then to a friend’s house. When police asked him why he wasn’t self-isolating as directed, the man allegedly told officers he didn’t care, and he could leave his house whenever he wanted to. The man was arrested and taken to Maroubra Police Station where he was charged with not comply with noticed direction. He was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Wednesday 15 April 2020).
  • At about 6.45pm on Monday (13 April 2020) saw a man walking through the Bourke township. Officers from Central North Police District asked the man why he was out of his home and he allegedly told them he was locked out and was attempting to find his keys. A short time later, just after midnight (Tuesday 14 April 2020), police sighted the man nearby. When he was questioned, police will allege he said he was helping his friend who was locked out to find his keys, in contradiction to his earlier statement. Further inquiries revealed he had already been issued with three warnings and one $1000 PIN for breaching a ministerial direction. The man was issued with a Field Court Attendance Notice for not comply with noticed direction and is due to appear at Bourke Local Court on 11 June 2020.

PINs include:

  • About 3.30pm on Monday (13 April 2020), officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were called to a unit complex in Distillery Drive, Pyrmont, following reports of a social gathering in breach of the public health order. On arrival, officers found a group of people at the property holding an Easter party. Five women – aged 30, 29, 27, 26 and 21 – and a 28-year-old man were issued PINs for failing to comply with noticed direction.
  • Eight people have been issued with PINs by police from Central North PD after they were found where burnouts had allegedly been conducted at Cobar last week. Police had been investigating the incident after receiving a driving complaint on Lerida Street about 11.20pm (Monday 6 April 2020). Officers found two unregistered Commodores with blown rear tyres, as well as a ute and a 4WD. They have now issued PINs to six men – one aged 18, three aged 20, two aged 25 – as well as a 16-year-old boy and a 35-year-old woman, all from Cobar.
  • About 5.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 14 April 2020), officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District were called to Pilot Street, Yamba, following reports of a group of youths in a vehicle creating a disturbance. Officers spoke to a 19-year-old man who said he was driving to visit friends and members of his family. He was issued with a $1000 PIN. He was also charged with breach of bail and will appear at Lismore Local Court today (Wednesday 15 April 2020).
  • A 22-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man both from Cobar have been issued with PINs for breaching a Public Health Order after they were stopped for an RBT on Lerida Road, Cobar, about 4.15pm on Monday (13 April 2020). The male driver tested negative, but neither was able to provide a reasonable excuse for travelling.
  • About 9am yesterday (14 April 2020), officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command spoke with a man on Sadleir Avenue at Heckenberg. When questioned by police, the 26-year-old man told officers he was going to see a friend for relationship advice. He was given a formal warning for failing to comply with a public health order and directed to go home. About 10 minutes later, police stopped the man again after he failed to comply and issued him with a $1000 PIN.
  • Around 1.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 14 April 2020) officers from Newcastle City Police District spoke with a man at Broadmeadow Railway Station. When asked by officers why he was out of his home, the 24-year-old said he was aware of the current COVID-19 restrictions but had to get out as he was sick of being at home. He was issued with a $1000 PIN.
  • About 6.15pm on Monday (13 April 2020), officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were called to Roulstone Avenue, Belrose, after reports of youths loitering in the area. Police spoke with an 18-year-old teenager and gave him a formal warning. Further inquiries revealed he had been given warnings on two other occasions, and officers subsequently issued him with a $1000 PIN.
  • A 53-year-old man from Tharbogan and a 23-year-old man from Yoogali were spoken to by police from Central North PD after they were found at truck stop on the Mitchell Highway at about 12pm Saturday (11 April 2020). The group had been spoken to by police twice previously. The two men were issued with $1000 PINs.
  • Two men have been issued with PINs and four have been warned after police from Central North PD were told a group of people were gathered on Clugoa Street, Bourke, about 6.30am Sunday (12 April 2020). Most of the group dispersed when police arrived; however, two men, aged 18 and 26, and both from Bourke, were identified as having been warning previously and were issued with fines.
  • A 28-year-old Victorian man has been issued with a $1000 PIN after his campervan was stopped on Head Street, Forster, on Monday (13 April 2020). The man had been warned the previous day after he was found in at a camping ground at Tuncurry.
  • A 64-year-old Woollahra man has been issued with a $1000 PIN after he allegedly breached the Public Health Order when he was found on Boomerang Beach, 20km south of Forster, about midday Monday (13 April 2020). The man informed police he had been on the beach for two hours using his mobile phone.
  • A 20-year-old Parramatta man has been issued with a $1000 PIN by officers from Mt Druitt PAC after he was found drinking wine while sitting in a camping chair in a commuter carpark at North Parade, Mt Druitt, just after 1.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 14 April 2020). The man had been given a warning by police about 11.30am.
  • Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District stopped a Toyota van travelling on Kennedy Drive at Tweed Heads over its alleged faulty taillights about 3pm on Friday (10 April 2020). Officers spoke with the driver, a 42-year-old man, who told them he was going to visit a friend nearby. The man was issued infringement notices for driving an unregistered vehicle, not updating his licence details, no functioning break lights, and for not complying with noticed direction.
  • About 9.45pm yesterday (Tuesday 14 April 2020), officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command were called to Bunnerong Road at La Perouse, following reports of a man walking around in an intoxicated state. The 39-year-old Randwick man could not provide a reasonable excuse as to why he was not at home. Following inquiries, police discovered he had been warned for breaching the public health order on both Thursday 9 April 2020 and Sunday 12 April 2020. He was issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction.
  • Just before 2am yesterday (Tuesday 14 April 2020), officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command stopped a vehicle on Maroubra Road, near Mons Avenue, at Maroubra and spoke with the driver, a 29-year-old man. The man told officers he was driving to Wollongong for a visit. He was issued a PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction.
  • About 1.10am yesterday (Tuesday 14 April 2020), officers from Murray River Police District were patrolling the Albury area when they spoke with a 30-year-old man near on Creek Street. The man could not provide a reasonable excuse as to why he was not at home and was issued a PIN.
  • About 11.45pm on Monday (13 April 2020), officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command noticed a Ford Fiesta allegedly travelling over the speed limit on Mandarin Street, Fairfield East. The vehicle allegedly failed to stop for officers and a pursuit was initiated. The car stopped a short distance away on Lisbon Street, where the driver and passenger, both aged 17, were arrested. A 45-year-old relative arrived at the scene and it’s alleged he became aggressive towards police. He has been charged with hindering police and is due to appear before Fairfield Local Court on Tuesday 30 June 2020. The 17-year-old driver was issued with Traffic Infringement Notices for Learner Not Display L Plates as prescribed, Learner Not Accompanied by Licensed Driver, Class A Motor Vehicle exceed Speed Limit – Over 20 km/h. Both 17-year-olds were also issued $1000 PINS in relation to the Public Health Act.
  • About 3.30pm on Sunday (12 April 2020), officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were patrolling Parkway Avenue, Raymond Terrace, when they stopped and spoke to the occupants of a Mitsubishi Mirage sedan. The two men – aged 40 and 47 – did not have a reasonable excuse for being out and were given a warning to return home. Officers stopped the vehicle again a short time later after they failed to comply with this direction and issued both men with PINs.
  • About 8.30pm on Friday (10 April 2020), officers from Port Stephens Highway Patrol were patrolling Kingston parade, Heatherbrae, when they stopped a 31-year-old male who was not able to provide police with a reasonable excuse for his travel. He was issued with $1000 PIN.
  • About 9pm yesterday (Tuesday 14 April 2020), officers from Richmond Police District located a 30-year-old man on River Street, Ballina. The officer recognised the man from an interaction with him on Tuesday 7 April 2020, where he was warned about returning to his hometown in Maclean. The man was not able to come up with a valid excuse for being in the area, informing police that he simply preferred the location. He was issued with $1000 PIN.
  • About 12.05am yesterday (Tuesday 14 April 2020), an officer from Quakers Hill Police Area Command issued a warning to an 18-year-old man for sitting his car at Glenwood Reserve, Blacktown, without a valid reason. The man was given a move on direction to return home. About 12.30am police returned to the location and found the man had not moved. He was issued with $1000 PIN.

Since 17 March 2020, police have issued 66 Court Attendance Notices and 560 PINs for breaches of the Public Health Act.
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.

Inquiries conducted in relation to positive cases of COVID-19 at aged care facility – Caddens

Earlier today (Wednesday 15 April 2020), officers from Nepean Police Area Command conducted inquiries after a health care worker at an aged care facility at Caddens tested positive to COVID-19.
Police spoke with the organization’s CEO and the facility manager, and have been provided significant information relating to possible contacts with residents and other staff, as well as workplace health and safety arrangements.
It is understood the woman was not symptomatic while at work, and was last on duty on Thursday 2 April 2020.
She was tested after this date when advised of contact with a person – not from the facility – who tested positive to COVID-19.
No further police action is expected to be required.

Escapee arrested – Cessnock

A man, who escaped yesterday from a minimum-security correctional facility at Cessnock, has been arrested.
The 30-year-old inmate was reported missing from the facility on Lindsay Street about 11.15am (Wednesday 15 April 2020).
About 6pm (Wednesday 15 April 2020), police attended Cooper Street, Cessnock after receiving information a man matching his description had been seen.
The man was arrested a short time later in King Street.
A car believed to have been used by the man has been seized.
He was taken to Cessnock Police Station and charged with escape lawful custody, take and drive conveyance, disqualified driver, dishonestly obtain property by deception and resist arrest.
He has been refused bail and will appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 16 April 2020).

Suspicious house fire – Belmont

Police are investigating a suspicious house fire in Lake Macquarie early this morning.
About 4.15am (Thursday 16 April 2020), emergency services were called to a property on Livingstone Street, Belmont, after reports the home was well alight.
Crews from Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze a short time later.
All occupants of the home escaped without injury.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District have established a crime scene and have commenced inquiries into the cause of the blaze.
Anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious around the area in the early hours of Thursday morning, who may have CCTV or dashcam footage, or who may have other information which may help investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or 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.

Covid-19: Status update for Netball in NSW

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.

Netflix, Amazon & Apple should be backing Australian-made stories

The big streaming companies should play their part in helping fund Australia’s cultural recovery, the Greens say. The Party is also calling on the Australian Government to commit to an Australian Content Fund.
“The bigwigs of video streaming like Netflix, Stan and Amazon should be regulated to support Australian made stories and entertainment, Greens Arts & Media spokesperson Senator Hanson-Young said today.
“During the Covid19 shutdown Australian households are logging on and streaming more content than ever before. Meanwhile Australia’s cultural, arts and entertainment industry is being decimated by the Government’s Corona response.
“It’s no surprise that it’s Australian artists and entertainers that are keeping us all sane as we remain cooped up inside in an effort to stop the spread of the virus. What is more surprising is unlike in other parts of the world, Australia has no obligations on big streaming companies to fund, invest and create Australian content or tell Australian stories.
“Now is the time for the Government to make a real difference in protecting and enhancing our national identity, culture and voice by issuing requirements for big players like Netflix, Amazon and Apple to put genuine support behind Australia’s screen and music industries.
“Funding cuts to both Screen Australia and the ABC over the years has seen support for creating quality Australian TV shows and films reduced.
“Alongside Netflix and others, the Government needs to invest in an Australian Content Fund to keep local stories being made, workers in the industry in jobs and protect our unique Australian voice, at a time when as the Prime Minister says, national sovereignty and cultural identity is so important to keeping us all together and united.
“As the Arts and Communications Minister plans to make more announcements this week, it would be foolish to weaken the nations ability to create local content and tell our own stories. Pressured, free-to-air broadcasters may want less obligations to produce Australian shows and entertainment, but this would create mass job losses and a long-term economic downturn for everyone. Watering down Australian made content is the exact opposite of what we need right now.”

Jobkeeper Payment Supporting Millions of Jobs

The Morrison Government’s historic $1500 fortnightly JobKeeper payment will support millions of Australian jobs as we build a bridge to the other side following the severe economic impact from the coronavirus.
The economic shock facing the global economy from the coronavirus is far more significant than what was seen during the global financial crisis over a decade ago.
Businesses across a range of industries have had to close their doors and others have seen a significant drop in activity as countries, including Australia, exercise social distancing measures to contain the spread of the virus.
It is against this backdrop the Government has taken action with $320 billion or 16.4 per cent of GDP in economic support for the Australian financial system, businesses, households and individuals affected by the coronavirus.
Given these actions and the position of economic strength from which we approached the coronavirus crisis Treasury expects the unemployment rate to rise to 10 per cent in the June quarter from 5.1 per cent in the most recent data.
In the absence of the $130 billion JobKeeper payment, Treasury estimates the unemployment rate would be 5 percentage points higher and would peak at around 15 per cent.
More than 800,000 businesses have already registered for the JobKeeper payment which will allow the economy to recover more quickly once we are through to the other side of the crisis.
The Government’s economic support measures are temporary, targeted and proportionate to the challenge we face and will ensure Australia bounces back stronger on the other side, without undermining the structural integrity of the Budget which Australians have worked so hard to restore.
Last week our track record of prudent fiscal management was recognized by Standard and Poor’s who reaffirmed Australia’s AAA credit rating and made the point that “while fiscal stimulus measures will soften the blow presented by the COVID-19 outbreak and weigh heavily on public finances in the immediate future, they won’t structurally weaken Australia’s fiscal position.”
Australia is one of only ten countries to hold such a rating from all three major rating agencies.
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.

SLASHED LICENCE FEES A BIG WIN FOR BUSINESSES

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.

PATHWAY FORWARD FOR CONTRIBUTIONS REFORM

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.

Man charged after allegedly spitting on NSW Ambulance paramedics

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).