Month: June 2020

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the state’s focus on job creation in its economic response to COVID-19 was the right approach to recovering from Australia’s first recession in almost thirty years.
National account figures out yesterday indicated consumer and business confidence had fallen to their lowest levels on record, reflecting the combined impacts of the drought and bushfires, as well as the beginning of COVID-19 social distancing and travel restrictions. In NSW, ABS data showed NSW state final demand (SFD) fell by -1.5 per cent in the March quarter, the weakest result in 20 years.
Mr Perrottet said the figures were worrying but not unexpected given the impact the pandemic has had on spending, with household consumption down 1.6 per cent, partly offset by a 1.8 per cent increase in government financial support.
“Right from the start of this pandemic, we’ve said we’ve got to keep our infrastructure projects moving and keep people in jobs and businesses in business,” Mr Perrottet said. “That’s why our pipeline has increased to over $100 billion and this will be an infrastructure led recovery.”
“We’ve allocated almost $11 billion in self-funded stimulus support measures – more than any other state – and we’re committed to supporting projects that create jobs across NSW.”
Mr Perrottet said figures for the next quarter are unlikely to be much better and the end of the Federal Government’s JobKeeper program in September is likely to see a further increase in unemployment.
“When hundreds of thousands of people are losing their jobs, we need to divert every dollar to create many more jobs through stimulus programs.”
“That’s why we need to hit the pause button on public sector pay rises so that we can get thousands of people off the Centrelink queues and back to work.”
“Household saving increases during times of crisis and a pay-rise would only boost that. What we really need right now is more jobs, jobs, jobs.”
“The only people who are unaware we are in a pandemic-induced recession is the NSW Labor party and they need to get with the program or get out of the way.”
The GDP result is expected to be just the start of bleak economic figures for the country, with the next set of national accounts figures due out in September.

Travellers are being urged to plan ahead, allow extra journey time and stay safe this Queen’s Birthday long weekend with NSW reopened for regional travel.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the long weekend is an opportunity for people to get away with family and friends, but the safety of the community must come first.
“This is the first time many people have been able to travel across the State since COVID-19 restrictions were introduced in March,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Anyone who is thinking of travelling this long weekend must plan ahead and follow health advice about physical distancing and personal hygiene.
“Our state has so much to offer and there is nowhere better to take a break right now but we are urging everyone to do so safely.”
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said with the increased number of people moving around, there is an increased risk on our roads.
“We have seen an increase of around 6.3 per cent across Sydney’s road network and 5.9 per cent across our regions since last week, and this is expected to increase further with restrictions easing,” Mr Constance said.
“I urge drivers to allow for extra travel time and plan ahead at livetraffic.com or by using the Live Traffic apps.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said it was important everyone obey the road rules.
“Most people have not travelled long distances in a while, so please remember to stick to the speed limit, take breaks to avoid fatigue, and if you’ve been drinking do no not get behind the wheel,” Mr Toole said.
“We want everyone to arrive at their destination safely – whether you’re the driver, passenger, rider or pedestrian, every decision you make on the road matters.”
Minister for Police David Elliott reminded drivers that dangerous behaviour on our roads will not be tolerated.
“Double demerits will apply from 12.01am on Friday 5 June until 11.59pm on Monday June 8 for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences across the long weekend,” Mr Elliott said.
“Additionally, Friday the 5^th of June is also a gazetted school day so be mindful of children around those areas and also be aware that double demerit points will apply to relevant school zone offences too.”
Extra precautions would remain on the public transport network over the long weekend, with more services added to some busy routes in metropolitan areas.
An increase in regional public transport use is also expected for the holiday weekend.

The NSW Government has delivered on its promise to restore public confidence in the building industry by successfully passing the Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019.
Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson said the much-needed reforms, passed by Parliament today, mark the start of a new era in the design and construction of buildings in NSW.
“The NSW Government has a no nonsense approach to achieving and maintaining best practice regulation across all of the industries that it regulates, and the building sector is no exception,” Mr Anderson said.
“This Bill is all about putting consumers first by giving those entering the property market peace of mind that their home will be expertly designed and built in compliance with the Australian Building Codes.”
The Minister said the Bill, developed through extensive consultation with industry stakeholders and the public, will ensure NSW has a leading system of design and building regulation that delivers well-constructed buildings into the future.
“The passing of the Bill is a huge step forward in the rebuilding the construction sector into a transparent, accountable, customer-centric industry that consumers deserve,” Mr Anderson said.
“Owners of apartment buildings with defects will benefit immediately from the statutory duty of care that applies to all new buildings and those less than ten years old.”
Also introduced to NSW Parliament this week is the Residential Apartment Buildings (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Bill 2020, boosting the Building Commissioner’s power to stop dodgy builders and developers in their tracks.
The NSW Building Commissioner, David Chandler OAM, will be leading the regulator’s implementation of both Bills, through an expert team of up to 60 new staff who will undertake increased investigation, audit and compliance activities.
“Combined, these two Bills put the interests of consumers first and show that the Government is serious about lifting the standard of work across the building and construction sector,” Mr Chandler said.
“The laws will give my team a broad range of powers, including the ability to issue stop work orders, prevent strata plan registration and occupation certificates, and to issue hefty fines for those doing the wrong thing.”
The two pieces of legislation forms one part of the NSW Government’s comprehensive six part reform agenda to lift standards and accountability in the building sector.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott today welcomed the latest quarterly report by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) which shows the majority of crime categories have remained stable.
Mr Elliott said the BOCSAR report shows that 13 out of the 17 major crime categories remained stable over the 24 months to March 2020.
“NSW Police officers dedicate their lives to the safety and protection of the community and I thank them for their tireless efforts to keep crime rates low,” Mr Elliott said.
“We are delivering 1500 new police – the biggest single increase for the NSW Police Force in more than 30 years – as part of a record investment to bolster police numbers and increase crime fighting capability.
“The community can rest assured that we have a record number of police on the beat conducting increased Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) checks as part of our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.
“In this first quarter of 2020, police conducted an additional 3,684 checks compared to the previous year.”
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the spike in reported domestic violence assault and sexual assault was concerning, but could also reflect increased proactive policing and the willingness of victims to report abuse.
“Police are on the front foot targeting high risk domestic violence offenders more than ever to ensure offenders are held accountable and victims are kept safe,” Mr Speakman said.
“At the same time, the NSW and Federal Governments have together invested more than $21 million in frontline domestic violence services and other supports so that when a victim is ready to report abuse, they can be confident that help is available.”
Three categories showed an increase: the number of recorded domestic assaults (up 4.1 per cent), the number of sexual assaults (7.9 per cent), and the number of incidents of robbery with a weapon not a firearm (up 10.5 per cent). Steal from person trended down, showing a 10.4 per cent decrease.
The 13 major crime categories that remained stable are:

• Murder;
• Non-domestic violence related assault;
• Indecent assault, act of indecency and other sexual offences;
• Robbery with a firearm;
• Robbery without a weapon;
• Break and enter dwelling;
• Break and enter non-dwelling;
• Motor vehicle theft;
• Steal from motor-vehicle;
• Steal from retain store;
• ·Steal from dwelling;
• Fraud; and
• Malicious damage to property.

For more information go to www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au.