New South Wales COVID Update, 8:00 am, 30 July 2021

The information we have all been waiting for has finally been released overnight. The authorised workers list has been updated to include 'manufacture of building supplies to support construction'. This means that glass and window manufacturers are now authorised to leave their their respective locked down LGAs and travel to their workplace.

Authorised workers | NSW Government

General construction workers are not on the authorised workers list and so are not permitted to leave their respective locked down LGAs for work. Construction sites in the 8 locked down LGAs are also not permitted to be open.

Changes to compulsory COVID testing for workers in locked down LGAs (enforceable from Saturday, 31 July):

  • All authorised workers from Canterbury-Bankstown LGA must get tested once every three days in order to leave their LGA for work.
  • At this stage there is no testing requirements for people who live in Parramatta, Campbelltown, Georges River, Liverpool and Blacktown LGAs.
  • Testing is only required for health and aged care workers in the Fairfield and Cumberland LGAs.

Government Assistance

The Prime Minister has announced a new funding scheme for those suffering due to the extended lockdown in Sydney. From next week, the COVID Disaster Payments will be increased from $600 to $750 and the payment for less than 20 hours from $375 to $450. Employees do not need to use up their annual leave balances to access the disaster payments.

COVID-19 Disaster Payment | Services Australia

Businesses, sole traders, and not-for-profit organisations can now apply for JobSaver payments of up to $10,000. These payments will provide cash flow support to impacted businesses to help them maintain their employee headcount as of 13 July 2021. Businesses must have experienced a decline in turnover of 30% or more over a minimum 2-week period within the Greater Sydney lockdown, compared to the same period in 2019. Eligible businesses and not-for-profit organisations with employees will receive fortnightly payments backdated to cover costs incurred from week four of the lockdown (from 18 July 2021 onwards).

Apply for the JobSaver payment | Service NSW

For some of you, this will be welcome news. For some of you, the situation is still dire. Please take some time to check on those around you and make sure they are okay. Just knowing that someone cares can make a big difference to a bad day. Take some time to look after yourselves and reach out to a friend or family member if you need help. If there is anything I or the team at AGWA can do to help, please do not hesitate to call.

Take care and stay safe,

Melissa Baker
National Industry Development Manager
Australian Glass and Window Association