Month: July 2020

A Kiama couple are among six people to have legal action taken against them in the last 24 hours for breaches of the Public Health Act across the state.
On Sunday 12 July 2020, a 36-year-old man and 37-year-old woman returned to NSW from Victoria with their two children.
The man and woman, who were granted Category A permits from Service NSW, travelled through the Hume Highway checkpoint at Albury and were made aware of the requirements to self-isolate for 14 days at their residential address.
Police conducted compliance checks at the Kiama address on Tuesday 14 July, Wednesday 15 July and Tuesday 21 July 2020, and provided information about self-isolation requirements on each occasion.
It’s alleged the couple, who were required to remain at their residential address with their two children until Sunday 26 July 2020, left the home on several occasions between Monday 20 and Wednesday 22 July 2020.
The matter was reported to police and an investigation commenced by officers from Lake Illawarra Police District.
Following inquiries, about 11.15am today (Tuesday 28 July 2020), the man was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice for failing to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
He is due to appear in Port Kembla Local Court on Wednesday 23 September 2020.
The 37-year-old woman was issued with a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Meanwhile, police have also charged a woman and issued three further COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs).

• About 4pm yesterday (Monday 27 July 2020), officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command attended a unit on Campbell Street, Liverpool, following reports a 41-year-old woman had travelled from Byron Bay to Liverpool in contravention of a self-isolation direction on Sunday (26 July 2020). The woman was taken to hospital for testing and issued a Court Attendance Notice for fail to comply requirement public order – COVID-19. She is due to appear at Liverpool Local Court on Wednesday 30 September 2020.

• About 11am (Monday 27 July 2020), officers from Riverina Police District attended a home on Ceduna Street, Ashmont, to arrest a 37-year-old man for an unrelated matter. While in custody, subsequent inquiries revealed that the man had recently returned from Victoria and failed to self-isolate. He was issued a $1000 PIN and taken to hospital for testing.

• About 12.45pm (Monday 27 July 2020), officers from Barrier Police District stopped a car at the Victorian border, on the Murray Valley Highway, Euston. The driver, a 39-year-old woman, and passenger, a 44-year-old man, did not have a permit. They were both issued $1000 PINs and returned to Victoria.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Police have taken legal action against six Illawarra venues for alleged breaches of Public Health Orders and licensing regulations.
About 3.50pm on Saturday 25 July 2020, officers attached to Wollongong Police District attended a venue on the Princes Highway in Figtree as part of a high-visibility licensing operation.
Inside the venue, police observed a large number of patrons standing together and drinking in groups.
It’s alleged the venue manager did not properly enforce the COVID-19 safety plan for the venue. The venue was issued a $5000 PIN earlier today (Monday 27 July 2020).
On Saturday 25 July 2020, officers from Lake Illawarra Police District conducted a licensing compliance operation throughout Gerringong, Shellharbour and Dapto.
A venue on Addison Street, Shellharbour was issued a penalty notice for failing to comply with direction in relation to Section 7/8/9 – Corporation. The venue was also issued a $1,100 fine for operating as a bar and not a restaurant.
A venue on Burra Place, Shellharbour, and a venue on Fern Street, Gerringong, were also issued penalties for failing to comply with direction in relation to Section 7/8/9 – Corporation.
The alleged breaches included being overcrowded, not enforcing physical distancing, not having COVID safety marshals present, and breaching individual COVID Safety plans.
A venue on Rowlins Road, Gerringong received an official warning for failing to comply with direction under Public Health Act and was issued a $1000 fine for breaching licencing conditions under the Liquor Act.
Licensing police also assisted in the early closure of the licensed premise at Dapto. Two arrests were made in the process for offensive conduct and failing to comply with a reasonable direction. The venue has since received a $5000 fine for failing to comply with direction in relation to Section 7/8/9 – Corporation.
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.

First home buyers and the construction industry will be the big winners under a targeted boost, which will eliminate stamp duty on newly-built homes below $800,000 and slash thousands of dollars for properties up to $1 million.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the change to stamp duty thresholds would also support new home construction and create jobs as part of the Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
“Thousands of people will see their bank balances benefit from this change – it will help get more keys into more front doors of more new homes,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It will also boost housing construction across NSW and support jobs in the building industry at a time when we need them more than ever before.”
Under the changes the threshold above which stamp duty will be charged on new homes for first home buyers will increase from the current $650,000 to $800,000, with the concession reducing on higher values before phasing out at $1 million.
The Government forecasts more than 6,000 first home buyers will benefit from the changes, saving eligible first homebuyers thousands of dollars.
Under the changes the stamp duty threshold on vacant land will rise from $350,000 to $400,000 and will phase out at $500,000.
The change to the thresholds will only apply to newly-built homes and vacant land, not to existing homes, and will last for a 12-month period, commencing on 1 August 2020. Other purchases will continue to benefit from existing schemes.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the changes would save first home buyers stamp duty of up to $31,335 on a new $800,000 home.
“The current scheme has already helped over 93,000 first home buyers since July 2017 and this will give the construction industry extra support as we face the challenges of COVID-19,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We need to ensure our building sites keep ringing with hammers and saws as that means more people working, and first home owners will save money in the process.”
The NSW Government will also continue to offer a $10,000 First Home Owner Grant, which is available to people buying a new first home worth no more than $600,000, or buying land and building a new first home worth no more than $750,000 in total.
This means the maximum amount of benefit a home owner could be entitled to is $32,335 if purchasing a new home and accessing the grant.
More information on the first home buyer assistance schemes will become available here: revenue.nsw.gov.au/grants-schemes/first-home-buyer/assistance-scheme
INDICATIVE TAX THRESHOLD CHANGES

Property type	Existing stamp duty amount for eligible first home buyers	New stamp duty amount for eligible first home buyers	Saving
Vacant Land $350,000	$0	$0	No change
Vacant Land $400,000	$7,793	$0	$7,793
New home $650,000	$0	$0	No change
New home $700,000	$10,445	$0	$10,445
New home $800,000	$31,335	$0	$31,335
New home $900,000	$35,835	$20,168	$15,668
Existing home $650,000	$0	$0	No change
Existing home $800,000	$31,335	$31,335	No change

Projects and initiatives that help support mental health recovery in the workplace could be eligible for a NSW Government grant worth up to $50,000.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the Recovery Boost program, administered by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), would fund projects that promote seeking assistance early, supporting an individual’s recovery and reducing stigma around mental health.
“Almost half of Australians will experience some form of mental health issue over their lifetime and workplaces can and should provide help and support,” Mr Dominello said.
“These grants will give us a greater understanding of what works and how we can better empower workplaces to address mental health issues.”
Projects must demonstrate that they meet at least one or more of Recovery Boost’s funding principles of being sustainable, innovative and adoptable in the workplace.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor urged more businesses to take up the annual program to support the mental health and wellbeing of staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Challenges associated with working from home, reduced hours, or even teleconferencing can place added stress on staff,” Mrs Taylor said.
“This fantastic initiative will allow businesses to support staff to stay mentally well as they adapt to a working environment they may not be used to.”
Australian based organisations, including not- for-profit organisations, social enterprises, government agencies and individuals are eligible to apply.
Expressions of interest for the Recovery Boost Grant program are open until 6 August.
More information can be found at: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.nsw.gov.au/mentally-healthy-workplaces/recover-at-work/recovery-boost-$50,000-funding-program

Inspector numbers have been boosted and their powers increased under the NSW Public Health Act 2010 in a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Venues found to be flouting the NSW Government’s new COVID safety measures face fines, and could even be shut down, as part of a joint operation between Liquor & Gaming NSW, SafeWork and Fair Trading.
New measures were imposed on pubs last Friday and are being extended to casinos, clubs, and bars, as well as all cafes and restaurants from Friday 25 July.
In addition to Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors, SafeWork and Fair Trading staff will also be conducting inspections from this weekend, bringing the total number of inspectors to more than 250.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said stricter conditions and increased supervision are crucial to keep the economy in business.
“Businesses must be part of the solution if they want to stay open and look after their communities,” Mr Dominello said.
“Right now if they haven’t downloaded a COVID-19 Safety plan and registered as a COVID Safe Business they are contravening the Public Health Orders and could face a $5000 fine and then closure.”
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said premises where food and drink is consumed pose a higher risk for several key reasons.
“Being indoors for longer periods while eating and drinking, and the potential for mingling are all factors that make COVID more communicable. Add alcohol, later trading hours and venue capacity, and the potential for transmission escalates,” Mr Anderson said.
“Having the right measures in place will make sure employees and customers are protected. I urge all workplaces to download a COVID-19 Safety Plan, detail how you will action the measures, and register as COVID safe.”
Liquor & Gaming, SafeWork and Fair Trading inspectors are working in coordination with local council environmental inspectors, Food Authority inspectors, NSW Health and NSW Police. This includes:

• 40 NSW Food Authority inspectors;
• 45 Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors;
• 50 Public Health Officers;
• 68 NSW Fair Trading inspectors;
• 143 SafeWork NSW inspectors;
• 483 Local Government Environmental Health Officers; and
• NSW Police Officers.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services said the NSW Police would work in lock-step with other agencies to prevent further outbreaks of COVID-19 in NSW.
“NSW is at a tipping point – businesses and individuals alike need to step up to ensure we don’t face a second wave that could put countless lives in jeopardy,” Mr Elliott said.
“Police have been on the frontline since day one, enforcing ministerial directions to protect the health and wellbeing of everyone in NSW, but they need the cooperation and support of the community.
“If you deliberately flout a ministerial direction or go about your day in a way that is not COVID-safe, you are putting the entire community at risk and be assured the authorities will be there to hold you accountable.”
COVID safety breaches can be reported to NSW Police or complaints made online at nsw.gov.au.
Inspectors enforcing Public Health Orders can conduct uniformed and undercover inspections and can issue the following penalties:

• First offence: $5,000 fine or relevant penalty for breach of the Public Health Order
• Second offence: business will be closed for one week
• Third offence (repeated and wilful non-compliance): shutdown for up to one month.

NSW businesses are on notice to comply with the State’s public health orders, or risk a fine or closure, with restrictions around “higher risk” activities coming into effect.
From today the following rules are in force:

• Compliance measures introduced to pubs will be extended to restaurants, bars cafés and clubs. This includes:
  • Limiting group bookings to a maximum of 10 people;
  • Mandatory COVID-Safe plans and registration as a COVID-Safe business;
  • A digital record must be created within 24 hours.

 

• Weddings and corporate events are limited to 150 people subject to the four square metre rule and registration of the venue as a COVID-Safe business. Strict COVID-Safe plans must be in place and high-risk activities including choirs and dancing must not occur; and

 

• Funerals and places of worship are limited to 100 people, subject to the four square metre rule and a COVID-Safe business registration for the venue.

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said inspectors will be regularly on the beat to enforce compliance.
“Any business found blatantly breaking the rules will have the book thrown at them. We won’t be listening to any excuses,” Mr Dominello said.
“Businesses that aren’t serious about safety should not be in business. Those who disregard the restrictions should expect a visit from an inspector.
“We also encourage customers to report wrongdoing. We have a shared responsibility to ensure NSW remains safe.”
The NSW Government has made it easy for business by providing industry relevant COVID-Safe plans online.
“Registering your business is simple and can be done online at www.nsw.gov.au,” Mr Dominello said.
The rules on gatherings remain the same: 20 guests inside the home and 20 for gatherings in a public place. However, as the home is a high transmission area, the NSW Chief Health Officer strongly recommends a COVID-Safe precautionary approach of limiting visitors to the home to 10 people as a general principle.
The Public Health Order can be found here: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-160.pdf

Ambulatory care space has doubled, dialysis capacity more than tripled and, in a first for the region, the new $70.7 million Mudgee Hospital also has a CT scanner.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard, joined by the Member for Dubbo, Dugald Saunders, officially opened the new Mudgee Hospital today – well ahead of its scheduled completion in late 2020, ensuring it is prepared for any potential COVID-19 surge.
“This is an incredible transformation for the Mudgee community, which now has a world-class health facility with multiple services under the one roof,” Mr Hazzard said.
“For the first time, Mudgee Hospital also has a brand new CT scanner, already saving more than 200 locals a trip to Dubbo or Orange just in the past two months.”
Mr Saunders said since the new Mudgee Hospital became operational on 27 May, there have been about 1,500 emergency department presentations, more than 370 patients admitted, 111 surgical and scope procedures performed and 36 babies born.
“It’s great to see the local community already benefiting from a bigger and better hospital that will deliver first-class care to the community well into the future.”
The new Mudgee Hospital features:

• A new, larger emergency department with five treatment bays, a purpose-built resucitation space, a safe assessment room and an isolation room
• 28 acute general medical and surgical beds
• New CT scanner and eight dialysis chairs (increased from two)
• Four ambulatory care spaces (increased from two), including a treatment room
• Peri-operative service with operating rooms, day surgery area and recovery area
• Outpatient services and community health
• A four-chair Oncology service and a Maternity unit
• Oral health (with an additional chair, taking the capacity to five chairs).

The demolition of the old building will enable a new car park, due in late 2020.
The NSW Government is investing more than 30 per cent of the almost $2.7 billion allocated for health capital works in 2019-2020 in regional and rural areas