17 July 2020
If there has been one thing demonstrated over and over again in recent times, it is the critical frontline role played by local government in times of crisis. Drought, fires, floods and pandemics: councils are always there on the ground, helping and supporting their communities.
That’s why it is so important that all levels of government work closely together, and why LGNSW recently stepped in to seek proper coordination and consultation in the wake of the confusion and uncertainty created by the closure of the NSW-Victorian border at short notice last week, and the continuation of the South Australian border closure this week.
Thanks to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott MP, Chief Medical Officer Kerry Chant, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller and Cross Border Commissioner James McTavish for joining our Victorian and South Australian border mayors this week to resolve local issues arising from border closures. We secured local solutions to a range of traffic flow and other border closure issues as a result, with more work to be done in some areas.
NSW Health also reminds Council General Managers to continue to ask staff, particularly those responsible for regulating food premises and overseeing outdoor sporting activities, to ensure local Police are notified when they see social distancing breaches or businesses not complying with their COVID plans. While council staff don’t have powers or resources to enforce Health Orders, the additional eyes to report to Police for enforcement in order to keep communities safe is welcomed by the NSW Government.
Congratulations to everyone who is working so hard to prevent a further wave of COVID.
Support our sector’s advocacy for a seat at the National Cabinet
In response to your calls, LGNSW is calling on the NSW Premier to help ensure local government is represented on National Cabinet. LGNSW has joined ALGA and our interstate colleagues in this united advocacy campaign for a local government representative, whose primary consideration is the practicality and impact of decisions on councils and communities - is at the table when National Cabinet decisions are being made.
I encourage member councils to undertake your own advocacy with your local MPs and the Premier of NSW. Download the Advocacy Kit assets that have been developed to support your efforts. Please consider moving this motion at your council this month, and email Kelly Kwan, Executive Manager, Advocacy to let us know when you have!
Advocacy Wins! This week:
Arts and culture sector recovery; the NSW Government has responded to our calls for support for the arts sector, including a funded touring schedule for state-funded performances in regional NSW. The recently announced Great Southern Nights event will bring 1,000 COVID-safe gigs to Sydney and regional NSW in when it is safe to do so, planned for November. NSW live music venues and artists are invited to submit an expression of interest to be involved or email Elizabeth Robertson, Policy Officer Social and Community.
Funding for temporary visa holders now available; I am pleased to advise that support for temporary visa holders left vulnerable by the COVID-19 pandemic is now available, following our concerted advocacy efforts. Applications for the $4 million NSW Government grant funding are now open, to support those at risk of hardship. For further information, see guidelines or email Elle Brunsdon, Policy Officer Social and Community.
REMINDER
It’s important to remind people about the importance of hand washing and the rules around physical distancing, particularly at gatherings or when out and about. Councils have been asked to encourage local businesses to demonstrate to staff and customers they have registered a COVID-19 Safety Plan. NSW Health and NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service have also developed COVID-19 education resources in multiple languages.
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