17 August, 2021
17August 2021
Joint Network Message
NSW COVID-19 Lockdown
LALC Operations – Stay at Home Orders (NSW)
This joint Network Message from the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and the Office of the Registrar of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act, follows previous advice emailed to the Land Rights Network on 10 August 2021.
With changed COVID-19 restrictions across NSW, please see further information with regard to workplaces in metropolitan, regional and rural NSW.
Stay-At-Home Orders
All regions in NSW are affected by the stay-at-home rules, as of 5pm on 12 August 2021.
Please see the link below with a summary of restrictions, the stay-at-home rules in detail, timeframes and other information related to the updated Public Health Order.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/affected-regions
Working From Home
In Local Government Areas where stay-at-home rules apply, employers must allow an employee to work from home if the employee is reasonably able to do so.
Businesses that do not allow employees to work from home if they are reasonably able to do so face a fine of up to:
- $10,000 for corporations and
- $2,000 for individuals
If you cannot work from home and you go to your workplace (if it is allowed to be open), you must wear a face mask (unless an exemption applies).
If you cannot work from home and you go to your workplace, you must follow the rules for wearing a face mask.
Under the current Public Health Orders LALCs are required to allow staff to work from home.
Where LALCs have staff who still need to attend work, you will need to review your COVID Safety Plan, ensure staff wear masks at all times and seek specific advice about any required work or travel permits.
Public Health and Vaccination
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/authorised-workers
NSWALC and the Registrar encourage all LALCs to consider the new NSW Public Health Orders in detail, and to take appropriate actions in order to ensure the safety of their staff and community.
LALCs are also urged to support their communities to abide by the Public Health Orders, in order to lessen the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19.
Members may also need assistance with accessing qualified medical advice regarding COVID-19 vaccination, its availability, and the most suitable vaccine for people’s individual circumstances.
Community members should talk to their local medical service, GP, chemist or an Aboriginal Medical Service where available, regarding clarification on any medical information required. They can also call the National Coronavirus Health Information Helpline 1800 020 080, which is open 24/7.
Members’ Meetings
Please see the link below to NSWALC’s previous advice on outbreaks in regional NSW, Community Action Plans, and pausing Members’ Meetings at this time.
https://alc.org.au/newsroom/network-messages/an-update-on-covid-19-outbreaks-in-regional-nsw/
If you require further specific advice, you can also contact NSW Health in your region, or please get in touch with your Zone Office.
Additional COVID-19 resources to help your community:
- Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW: COVID-19 » Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW (ahmrc.org.au)
- NSW Government: COVID-19 Aboriginal health resources – COVID-19 (Coronavirus) (nsw.gov.au)
This Network Message has been jointly authorised by NSWALC and the Registrar of the ALRA/ALRR.