The NSW Premier has today announced that pubs, clubs and restaurants will be allowed to seat up to 50 people from 1 June 2020. The four-square metre rule will still apply, the maximum booking is for 10 people, and patrons must be seated. Intra-state regional travel restrictions will also lift from Monday 1 June 2020. More here. 

NSW recorded three new COVID-19 cases overnight. As winter approaches and restrictions ease, the Premier is urging people to get tested if they are unwell. View the statistics here.

Transport for NSW is putting in place a range of initiatives to assist in a safe and staged return for businesses and their workforces. The Travel Choices program is here to help employers understand their transport needs and make informed decisions about their workplaces as COVID-19 restrictions ease. Travel Choices provides information about the transport system and practical resources for organisations. A Travel Choices team is also available to provide support for businesses making the shift to more sustainable ways of moving into, out of and around Sydney. Transport arrangements and guidance to travellers will continue to be amended as restrictions are eased in line with the Australian Government’s three-step plan and advice from health authorities.

The NSW Government is encouraging employees to work remotely where possible. When accessing the CBD, employees should minimise use of public transport, especially during peak times, and, where possible, walk, drive or cycle. Transport NSW marshalling officers will assist commuters in the CBD regions to comply with COVID guidelines. View the COVIDSafe transport plan here.

Information for businesses on how to make workplaces COVIDSafe is available here.

With NSW students due to return to school full time on Monday, the Premier is asking that, where possible, children should walk or bike to school, or get dropped off. Children on school buses will not face the same restrictions as commuters on public transport. Read the guide for returning to school here.

Measures to enhance safety and ensure physical distancing are being rolled out across the state’s regional transport network as COVID-19 restrictions ease and more passengers start to return to work and school. More here.

From 25 May 2020, under phase two of the COVID-19 residual lodgement process, practitioners will be able to lodge a number of documents through PEXA that would ordinarily be lodged over the counter at NSW LRS. These include powers of attorney and deeds and land dealings affecting titles which are not electronically tradeable, but not plans or water access licences. Where applicable, a Deeds Index Particulars form should be included in the documentation submitted. For further information see the Information Sheet from the Office of the Registrar General, Announcement and FAQs from NSW LRS and information on the PEXA website.

The ATO and Treasury have advised the Federal Government of a reporting error in estimates of the number of employees likely to access the JobKeeper program. The ATO’s review has found that around 1,000 businesses appear to have made significant errors when reporting the estimate of eligible employees on their enrolment form. More here.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a new $500 million Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program to enable local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. More here.

The NSW Government has announced two more major construction projects in western Sydney through the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program.  More here.