This protocol amends the protocol issued by the Supreme Court on 15 October 2021 in relation to directions hearings and the hearing of Motions in the Commercial List, Technology & Construction List and Commercial Arbitration List. This protocol takes effect with respect to hearings on and from 4 February 2022. Read more here. 

The Chief Magistrate’s Memo 26 remains in place. Read it here for details about hearings that have been vacated and COVID safety measures for in-person appearances. This direction applies to all Local Court sittings at locations in New South Wales. This includes both civil and criminal sittings. Read more here. 

In-person medical assessments have been paused up to and including 18 February. The Commission is monitoring the Covid-19 situation and continues to respond quickly to changes in pandemic conditions as they happen. Read more here.

The NSW Government has announced a more than $1 billion statewide support package. The Small Business Support Program will help eligible businesses survive the immediate impact of the Omicron wave. Eligible businesses with a turnover between $75,000 and $50 million that experienced a minimum 40 per cent decline in turnover in January 2022 and in the first fortnight of February 2022 can apply for support through this program. Employing businesses will be eligible to receive 20 per cent of weekly payroll as a lump sum for the month of February, with a minimum payment of $750 per week and a maximum payment of $5,000 per week. Non-employing businesses will receive $500 per week, paid as a lump sum of $2,000 for the month of February 2022. Eligible businesses can apply through Service NSW from mid-February 2022. Read more here.

From yesterday (4 February) eligible Australians aged 16 and 17 years old will be able to receive a COVID-19 booster vaccine, following recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). There are approximately 580,000 16 and 17 year olds in Australia, with 370,000 immediately eligible to receive their booster dose. The booster dose for 16-17 year olds will be one dose of the adult Pfizer vaccine three months after their primary course. Read the Federal Government’s release here. 

From Monday, 7 February non-urgent elective surgery requiring an overnight stay will return to 75 per cent capacity in private hospitals, and up to 75 per cent of pre pandemic activity levels at public hospitals in regional and rural NSW where they are able to do so. The temporary suspension of non-urgent elective surgery requiring an overnight stay in both public and private hospitals from 10 January was necessary to ensure there was sufficient staffing and hospital bed capacity in NSW to meet the extra demands caused by the Omicron wave of COVID-19. Read the NSW Government’s announcement here.

Solicitors are reminded that if they or a colleague are struggling, the Solicitor Outreach Service (SOS) is available. Through this service, solicitors have 24/7 access to confidential counselling with a registered psychologist.