Given the extraordinary circumstances surrounding COVID-19, the Law Society understands that solicitors may need to complete more than five CPD units through private study of audio/visual material. This means that for the 2020-21 CPD year, the Society will not enforce the five-unit cap on private study of audio/visual material. All other requirements under the CPD rules must be satisfied unless an exemption or extension of time is granted. Further information.

If you have noticed a change in someone’s behaviour, no matter how small, take the time to ask, ‘R U OK?’. If you or someone you know would benefit from professional support, there are many services available to assist. NSW solicitors can access independent and confidential psychological support via the new Solicitor Outreach Service (SOS). Find out more about SOS here, or phone 1800 592 296 for support.

In accordance with Rule 8.2A of the Local Court Rules 2009 (the fixed leave period of the Local Court), normal rostered sittings of the Local Court are suspended on and from Monday 28 December 2020, and conclude on Sunday 10 January 2021. Read more.

The Honourable Justice Bell, President of the Court of the Appeal, has issued a note to practitioners in respect of hearings in the Court of Appeal this year. Although some limited hearings of trials are now occurring in the Supreme Court in person, the President of the Court of Appeal has indicated that, absent exceptional circumstances, appeals in the Court of Appeal will continue to be heard remotely for the time being. Practitioners engaged in appeals listed for the rest of this year should proceed on that basis. 

NSW has seven new cases in the past 24 hours to 8pm last night. NSW health is alerting members of the public to new locations visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19 including the Eastern Suburbs Legion Club, Waverley and Sydney’s Hyde Park Medical Centre. More here.

A single border region is now in place along the NSW-Victorian border and a new border region resident permit has been introduced. More information here.

Entry to Queensland is temporarily restricted by the QLD Chief Health Officer under the Border Restrictions Direction, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. More here. 

COVID-19 safe graduation ceremonies and formals for Year 12 students in NSW will be allowed to take place during Term 4. Schools will receive a COVID-19 safety plan for end-of-school events by 11 September 2020. New guidelines for schools will help reduce the risk of a COVID-19 disruption during the 2020 HSC exams. Students requiring a COVID-19 test should tell their GP or testing clinic they are currently doing their HSC to ensure their test results are prioritised. More here.

The Federal Government will continue to provide regulatory relief for businesses that have been impacted by the Coronavirus crisis by extending temporary insolvency and bankruptcy protections until 31 December 2020. More here.