NSW COVID-19 statistics
NSW recorded 145 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night from 98,158 tests. 58 of those were in isolation throughout their full infectious period. Check the latest confirmed exposure venues here. This information is being updated as cases are confirmed and locations are verified. More information on today’s COVID-19 statistics here.

Who is an authorised worker?
As of Saturday 24 July, those who live in the Blacktown or Cumberland Local Government Areas join those in the Fairfield, Liverpool and Canterbury-Bankstown LGAS as only being permitted to leave the area to go to work if their business is allowed to be open and they are an authorised worker. NSW Health has provided information on authorised workers, which can be explored by industry sectors. Authorised workers include those employed in: “the administration of justice, including in relation to the operation of courts and tribunals, correctional centres and community corrections.” Details about authorised workers available here.

Updated ATAGI advice on AstraZeneca
In light of the growing COVID-19 outbreak, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has released updated advice on vaccines, mostly notably regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine. ATAGI advises “all individuals aged 18 years and above in greater Sydney, including adults under 60 years of age, should strongly consider getting vaccinated with any available vaccine including COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. This is on the basis of the increasing risk of COVID-19 and ongoing constraints of Comirnaty (Pfizer) supplies. In addition, people in areas where outbreaks are occurring can receive the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine 4 to 8 weeks after the first dose, rather than the usual 12 weeks, to bring forward optimal protection.” Read the full statement here.

Law Society COVID-19 portal
For the latest information on COVID-19’s impact on the legal profession, including changes to court arrangements, government resources, and advice on CPD, remote supervision and workplace entitlements, check the Law Society of NSW’s dedicated COVID-19 portal here.

Solicitor Outreach Service
The Law Society of NSW’s Solicitor Outreach Service (SOS) connects NSW solicitors to confidential, psychological support. Call the Solicitor Outreach Service on 1800 592 296 for access to: up to three psychological sessions per financial year, paid for by the Law Society of NSW and 24/7 telephone counselling with a psychologist if you are in crisis or distress. Read more here.

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.

COVID-19 changes to strata and community schemes regulations
From 21 July 2021, owners corporations and community land associations will again be able to validly meet and vote electronically without having previously adopted a resolution in this regard. The existing regulations on executing documents without the common seal and serving notice of meetings by email will remain. See Strata Schemes Management Amendment (COVID-19) Regulation (No 2) 2021 and Community Land Management Amendment (COVID-19) Regulation (No 2) 2021.

REMINDER: First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme Update
From 1 August 2020 to 31 July 2021 the NSW Government increased the transfer (stamp) duty thresholds for the purchase of new homes and vacant land. From 1 August 2021, the thresholds will revert to the previous parameters. Read more.

Australian Law Reform Commission Judicial Impartiality review – practitioner survey
The ALRC is reviewing the law relating to impartiality and bias as they apply to the federal judiciary. As part of this inquiry, the ALRC is carrying out a survey of legal practitioners. The survey is open to anyone admitted to practise law in an Australian state or territory, and who has practised in Australia within the past five years, and closes 11.59pm AEST, 6 August 2021. The Law Society of NSW made a submission to the Law Council of Australia, and the Law Council has included these views in its submission to the ALRC.