The Law Society has developed a check list to assist principal practitioners of NSW law practices respond to working conditions around COVID19.
View here.

This order, which commenced today, 15 May 2020, removes the previous stay at home requirements, and imposes less stringent restrictions on gatherings. People can participate in gatherings in a public place of not more than 10 people, with some exceptions. The order still requires certain premises to be closed to the public, and places limits on the number of people indoors. The order also directs that an employer must allow an employee to work at the person’s place of residence where it is reasonably practicable to do so. View here.

This bill, which was passed by NSW Parliament yesterday, relevantly amends the Workers Compensation Act 1987 to enable frontline workers in a range of industries, including hospitality, cleaning, healthcare etc, to have infections related to COVID-19 deemed to have occurred in the course of their employment (unless the contrary is established by an employer). Read here.

The Legal Profession Uniform Law requires that practising certificate renewals must be lodged by today, 15 May 2020. For those who did not renew online last year, we really encourage you to try and do so this year given the impact of COVID-19 restrictions. If you need help, our registry team members are happy to walk you through the process over the phone on 02 9926 0156.

The Local Court has put arrangements in place to enable a return to full sittings of the Court as restrictions ease. A reminder to practitioners that Chief Magistrates memorandum (No. 10) – COVID-19 should be read in conjunction with the Chief Magistrate’s Memorandum (No. 9) – Updated and Consolidated Listing Arrangement.

NSW District Court jury trials resume on 15 June 2020 in Downing Centre, Parramatta and Newcastle courthouses. The Court has implemented a number of measures to ensure juror safety. View here.

Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, has announced an additional $48.1 million funding to support the Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan which was presented to the National Cabinet today. View the joint statement here.

National Cabinet also discussed Australia's current COVID-19 response, easing restrictions in the coming months, helping Australians prepare to go back to work in a COVID-Safe environment and getting the economy moving again. Read more here.

The Law Council of Australia has welcomed the passage of the Privacy Amendment (Public Health Contact Information) Bill 2020 through Parliament. This will put the regulatory framework governing the operation of the COVIDSafe App on a statutory footing, replacing the Determination made under the Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth). Read more here.

The Fair Work Commission has published the following COVID-19 update with information on the COVIDSafe app, JobKeeper dispute decision, COVID-19 applications and decisions. View here.

The Law Society of NSW (LSNSW) and the Victorian Legal Services Board (VLSB) are undertaking a joint review of the services provided by those banks that are authorised to maintain trust accounts for law practices. The LSNSW and VLSB are interested in hearing from law practices that operate a general trust account, and your feedback via a short online questionnaire, which should only take a few minutes to complete, would be appreciated.