Monday Briefs

12 July 2021

Align
Right

Your weekly professional update

12 July 2021
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
We all have a responsibility to eliminate disgraceful and unacceptable behaviour in the workplace

I feel very strongly about keeping the spotlight on the issue of sexual harassment in the profession. We must continue to find ways to create more open workplaces, backed by the appropriate policies, reporting processes and support, and ultimately empower victims to speak out, without fear of negative repercussions. Continue reading >
 
 
NEWS
Don't miss your chance to recognise and celebrate government solicitors
Applications close 1 August for public sector solicitors to apply for the John Hennessy Legal Scholarship (valued at up to $10,000) or nominate someone for the Michelle Crowther PSM Excellence in Government Legal Service Award. Learn more and apply.
A quick guide to supervised legal practice
Everything you need to know about Supervised Legal Practice (SLP) is contained in our quick guide. Download a copy here.
Our commitment to tackling sexual harassment in the workplace
The Law Society is delivering a new workshop addressing sexual harassment in the workplace and workplace culture. With the help of recorded scenarios from professional actors, this workshop identifies inappropriate conduct, the role of bystanders, workplace culture and the reporting and management of complaints. Register here.
Specialist Accreditation Conference 2021: Full program now available
The full program for the Specialist Accreditation Conference 2021 is now available. To be held completely online on 5 August, meet the Accredited Specialists, Academics and experts presenting this year in one of the six areas of law. Learn more
On the menu this week
Enjoy a tandoori-spiced slow roasted boneless goat shoulder, Indian spiced rice pilaf with cashews, coriander and sultanas, spicy Bombay carrot and coriander salad with curry spiced dressing. Order by 10am Tuesday for Friday delivery.
 
COVID-19 UPDATE
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NSW COVID-19 statistics
NSW recorded 112 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night from 46,478 tests. Of these locally acquired cases, 64 are linked to a known case or cluster – 41 are household contacts and 23 are close contacts – and the source of infection for 48 cases remains under investigation. Check the latest exposure venues here. This information is being updated as cases are confirmed and locations are verified.
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Practising while under stay-at-home orders
Residents in greater Sydney are being urged to stay at home and only leave when it is absolutely essential to do so. For those who require information about remote witnessing of documents, in April 2020, the Electronic Transactions Amendment (COVID-19 Witnessing of Documents) Regulation 2020amended the Electronic Transactions Regulation 2017 to allow the signing of certain documents to be witnessed by audiovisual link. On 28 September 2020 the Stronger Communities Legislation Amendment (Courts and Civil) Act 2020 incorporated these electronic witnessing provisions into Part 2B of the Electronic Transactions Act 2000 and extended their operation to 31 December 2021. Part 2B of the Electronic Transactions Act 2000 provides an alternative mechanism to allow witnessing of documents by audio visual link when those documents would otherwise need to be witnessed in the physical presence of a signatory. It applies to a range of documents governed by NSW legislation, including wills, powers of attorney and enduring guardianship appointments, as well as deeds, agreements, affidavits and statutory declarations. Note that the list of documents to which it applies is non-exhaustive. For the latest information on COVID-19’s impact on the legal profession, including changes to court arrangements, practical guidance for remote practising, government resources, and advice on CPD, remote supervision and workplace entitlements, check the Law Society of NSW’s dedicated COVID-19 portal here. The portal is updated regularly. 
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District Court update: COVID-19 test requirement
All court participants who travel from Greater Sydney, including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shell Harbour (the Greater Sydney area) to a sittings of the District Court outside the Greater Sydney area, must have a negative COVID-19 test result before travelling. All court participants must obtain a COVID-19 test within sufficient time to enable them to appear on the date set for hearing and/or to comply with bail obligations. Lawyers must advise their clients of these requirements. Where possible, arrangements should be made with the resident Judge or circuit Judge for participants in the Greater Sydney area to appear remotely. Court participants include Judges, associates, lawyers, witnesses and persons on bail or with bail dispensed with.
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NSW vaccine rollout update
NSW will prioritise teachers and aged care workers in the Fairfield, Canterbury, Bankstown and Liverpool Local Government Areas [LGAs] where there is greater concern of COVID-19 transmission. A vaccine hub will begin at Fairfield Showground from this Friday (July 16) to target these two groups. The NSW Government also announced today that the AstraZeneca vaccine will be made available to people aged 40 and over at NSW vaccination clinics and centres. Anyone aged 18-39 who wants to get the AstraZeneca vaccine is encouraged to talk to their GP.
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New check-in rules apply
Customers and businesses are reminded that from today the use of the NSW Government’s COVID-Safe Check-In will be mandatory at most workplaces and retail businesses in the State. Businesses who need to register for the NSW Government QR code can find the application form and more information here. Read the NSW Government’s release about the expanded check-in rules here.
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Masks mandatory in residential apartment common areas from tomorrow
From Tuesday 13 July 2021 you must wear a fitted face mask when you are in an indoor area of common property in a residential building that is: strata titled, community titled or company titled. You do not need to wear a mask inside your own apartment. Common areas where you must wear a mask include: a shared foyer or lobby of an apartment block lifts, stairwells and corridors, shared laundry facilities. Masks must be worn by anyone entering including: residents and visitors, building managers, concierge staff and cleaners, people providing goods and services including tradespeople and contractors, people delivering food, mail and parcels. Learn more about face mask rules here.
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NSW-Victoria hard border closure
As of 11.59pm last night (July 11) Victoria’s Acting Chief Health Officer has declared that all of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory will become a red zone under Victoria’s travel permit system at 11:59pm Sunday 11 July. This means the Victorian border is effectively closed to New South Wales and the ACT – except for Victorian residents returning on a red zone permit for 14 days of quarantine, and for people with exemptions, exceptions or other valid permits (such as specified workers and cross-border residents). More here.
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Banking industry support for businesses and individuals impacted by COVID-19
The NSW Government has welcomed a package of measures announced by the Australian Banking Association (ABA) to support small businesses and homeowners affected by COVID-19 lockdowns. The ABA package is aimed at helping eligible customers significantly impacted by restrictions, and includes up to three-month repayment deferrals for small businesses, refunds of merchant terminal fees for up to three months and loan deferrals on a month-by-month basis for eligible homeowners and small business customers. Further details here.
 
 
WHAT'S ON
Having challenging conversations
13 July 2021
Mandatory rule 6.1 - all law - live webinar
13 July 2021
Class Actions: Capital, Regulation and the Public Interest (live online stream)
15 July 2021
TLC One Day CLE: Employment & Industrial Law
30 July 2021
TLC One Day CLE: Rule 6.1 Mandatory Components for Legal Practitioners
31 July 2021
Government Solicitors Awards 2021
Applications close 1 August 2021
Specialist Accreditation Conference 2021
5 August 2021
Government Solicitors Conference 2021
7 September 2021
Marking 40 years of Part IVA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936
8 September 2021
Rural Issues Conference 2021
29 October 2021
NSW YOUNG LAWYERS
NSW REGIONAL LAW SOCIETIES
EVENTS CALENDAR
LAWINFORM CPD CALENDAR
 
 
ASSENTS
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PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
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Latest edition of the Court of Appeal’s Decisions of Interest bulletin
The Decisions of Interest bulletin is a regular publication produced by the Court of Appeal, summarising appellate decisions from Australia and internationally. Read the latest bulletin here.
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NSW LRS Lodgement Office - appointment only In line with the updated health advice, from Monday 12 July customers may attend the LRS Lodgment Office by appointment only. Appointments will only be made for customers in very limited circumstances where the matter cannot be processed through existing online lodgement and enquiry channels. To enquire about appointments, practitioners should email losupport@nswlrs.com.au and provide information regarding the urgency and essential details of the transaction. Read more.
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Revenue NSW - eDuties Portal New Application Types 
From 6 July 2021, the following new application types are available in the eDuties Portal:
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Applications for appointment as a Costs Assessor
Applications are sought from legal practitioners of at least 5 years post-admission experience to be appointed as Costs Assessors. Appointments are expected to take effect from 1 January 2022 for a period of up to three (3) years. Learn more
 
LEGAL UPDATES powered by LSJ
Practice and Procedure
When should I not act for a client?
By David Pritchard SC and Michelle Castle >
Employment law
Devil in the data: Deliveroo decision delivers a blow to the gig economy
Jack de Flamingh and John Casey >
 
IN THE PRESS
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