NSW recorded two new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, both of which were announced yesterday morning. NSW Health has also been notified of two new locally acquired cases overnight and these cases will be included in tomorrow's numbers. The total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic stands at 5,460. There are now 11 cases linked to the Bondi cluster. A list of venues, including a number of sites in the Sydney CBD, Eastern Suburbs and Inner West attended by infectious cases, is updated by NSW Health here as information is confirmed so please check regularly. More information on today’s figures, including vaccination rates, available here.

Over the weekend, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced mask wearing will remain in effect until 12:01am Thursday, 24 June 2021. During this period, the wearing of masks will continue to be compulsory on public transport, in taxis and rideshare services in Sydney, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour. Further, there are additional mask wearing requirements for some indoor areas in seven Local Government Areas (LGAs): City of Sydney, Bayside, Canada Bay, Inner West, Randwick, Waverly and Woollahra. In these areas, masks are also required in retail shops (including supermarkets), theatres and aged-care facilities. Details here.

As the Law Society of NSW is located within the City of Sydney LGA, masks are required for visitors to our premises who are accessing areas available to members of the public including Access to Justice, Library, Reception and Print and Mailroom.  This is in addition to COVID Safe check in requirements for all visitors. Staff working in departments which provide services to members of the public who attend our premises will also be required to wear a mask. The NSW Government rules around mask wearing can be found here.

The Chief Justice has directed the following arrangements will apply for the period of these temporary restrictions:
Masks should be worn in all public corridors and waiting areas within that part of the court building solely occupied by the Supreme Court. Everyone in a courtroom must wear a mask, unless:

1. The person concerned is an active participant in the proceedings namely the presiding judge, a practitioner who is responsible for presenting the case in court or a witness giving evidence.
2. one of the exemptions stated in the Public Health Order applies; or
3. at the discretion of the presiding judge.

Jurors are strongly encouraged to wear a mask at all times. Masks will be provided to jurors by the Office of the Sheriff.​​​​​

The Rural Issues Conference returns face-to-face on Friday 29 October at the Shangri La Hotel, Sydney, and online via live stream. The program features leading speakers from across the profession and includes 6.5 CPD units on the day. Register today with early bird pricing available until 15 August.

In our upcoming Staying Well in the Law session, Dr Adrian Allen will address the challenges associated with having difficult conversations and provide practical skills to help you feel more confident in handling these interactions. Find out more.

legalsuper is pleased to present a short update on recent changes to superannuation contribution limits and answer the most commonly asked questions when it comes to your super. Find out more and register. 

Lawyer, author of Eggshell Skull and advocate Bri Lee sits down with Amy Dale to discuss her new book Who Gets To Be Smart, her response to the NSW Government’s proposed consent law changes and why she leaves the room whenever The Simpsons comes on. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.

Dubbo is the site for a much-anticipated new Drug Court, with the Orana Law Society declaring it “the news our region has been waiting for”. Read more.

Enjoy fresh fish of the day parcels, ready for the oven filled with lemon, dill, and butter, half dozen freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters with fresh lemon and topped off with an earl grey and blackberry cake with blackberry and cream cheese icing. Order by 10am Tuesday for Friday delivery.