New laws to address the impacts of COVID-19 among citizens, businesses and the justice system have been introduced.
Attorney General Mark Speakman introduced three Bills for debate which were passed by the Parliament last week.
“The Bills build on legislation enacted in late March and again make the health and safety of the people of NSW our first priority,” Mr Speakman said.
He said the arrangement include new regulation-making powers to suspend laws requiring people to hold meetings in person; allowing wholly electronic signing of documents; and the extension of limitation periods to take into account delays caused by the pandemic.
He said amendments were also made to expand the ability of individual public health orders to require people to undergo testing or a medical examination; streamlined COVID-19 medical research and data collection; allow court appearances via video link; change annual leave and long service leave laws that provide flexible alternatives to standing down workers; and payroll tax exemptions for Job Keeper payments.
Mr Speakman thanked the community for the sacrifices they have made to help protect vulnerable people across the state during this unprecedented health crisis.
“There is no question that the community’s unwavering response has been absolutely crucial to slowing the spread of this horrific virus and avoiding the tragic toll of death and illness experienced overseas,” he said.
“These new measures will help protect those hard-won gains and lay the foundations for our State’s successful recovery.” Mr Speakman said.
