Courts across NSW are introducing QR codes to capture the information required to enable contract tracers to quickly access court participant details for potential COVID-19 contact tracing. To reduce delays on entering the court premises and to maintain appropriate physical distancing, QR codes will be placed at various locations on each level and at the entry of the court room. If a court participant spends time in different areas of the Courthouse, the participant can check into that area by scanning the relevant QR code to ensure the participant’s location is accurately captured. Depending on phone settings, personal details should be remembered from the first scan and the participant should only need to click ‘submit’ again. Sheriff’s officers and court staff will be on hand to assist anyone having difficulties. The information collected is at the minimum level required to effectively access court participant details for potential COVID-19 contact tracing. QR codes are the only mechanism to check-in at courts at the moment and the use of QR codes at courthouses is voluntary.

NSW recorded no new cases of locally acquired COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. No cases were reported in overseas travellers in hotel quarantine. The total number of cases in NSW since the start of the pandemic remains at 4,363. More here.

From Tuesday 1 December 2020,  more people will be allowed to gather both at home and in outdoor public spaces, and smaller hospitality venues can increase their capacity under a major easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Up to 50 people (currently 20) can visit a residence as long as an outdoor space is being utilised, however, it’s recommended no more than 30 people gather if the residence has no outdoor area. Up to 50 people can gather outdoors in a public space (currently 30). More here.

Queensland borders will open to all of New South Wales and Victoria from Tuesday 1 December 2020. Visitors from New South Wales will no longer be required to quarantine for 14 days when entering Queensland.

From Monday 14 December, 2020, the Public Health Order requiring employers to allow employees to work from home (where it is reasonably practicable to do so) will be repealed.
As employees return to the office, workplaces are encouraged to have COVID-Safe plans. Employers are encouraged to stagger staff starting and finishing times to reduce the impact on public transport. Customers using public transport are strongly encouraged to wear a mask.

As of Monday 23 November 2020, all NSW venues must use electronic registration systems such as QR codes to record the names and contact details of patrons, or risk serious penalties, under new COVID-19 rules. More here.

The Law Society’s membership fee survey closes at 5pm tomorrow (Friday 27 November 2020). The Law Society is seeking the views of members on membership fees and what they value most about being a Law Society member. The survey follows the decision to reduce 2020/21 membership fees as a one-off measure to help alleviate some of the financial pressure caused by COVID-19 restrictions. The 15-minute, anonymous survey is being administered by an independent research company on behalf of the Law Society of NSW. Members who complete the survey can enter a prize draw for the chance to win one of two $450 Coles Myer gift cards (terms and conditions apply). Members should check their email inbox for their invitation.

The Morrison Government will expand eligibility for the legislated temporary full expensing measure, to drive more investment, create more jobs and further support our economic recovery from COVID-19. Full expensing temporarily allows businesses with aggregated turnover of less than $5 billion to deduct the full cost of eligible depreciable assets of any value in the year they are first used or installed. The Government will introduce legislation to expand access to the full expensing incentive to enable more large Australian-based businesses with a track record of investing in Australia to be eligible for the measures.
More here. 

Key findings of the 2020 Australian Jobs report show that employment for women and young people is rebounding strongly from the economic impact of COVID-19. View the Australian Jobs Report here.

The National Cabinet has endorsed the Australian Government's COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. The policy outlines the approach to providing COVID-19 vaccines in Australia. Read the policy here.