A week is a long time and under the current circumstances with the COVID-19 pandemic the situation is even changing on a daily basis.
For the latest information go to https://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 and https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert.
You can also follow me on Facebook (search for Dugald Saunders MP) for regular updates.
The Federal government, along with the individual states and territories are meeting as part of a National Cabinet on a regular basis in order to try and minimise the impact of coronavirus and keep people safe.
I encourage everyone with a smart phone to download the Federal Government’s new app that has a huge array of information, and to rely on official sources for updates rather than rumour or hearsay.
**
Last week the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 occurred in the Dubbo electorate.
A lot of people have been seeking specific information on which towns or cities have confirmed cases of the virus, however after consultation with the NSW Chief Medical Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, it was agreed that information would be updated on a Local Government Area (LGA) basis.
The simple message though, is that we need to abide by the measures implemented by the National Cabinet and the NSW Government, and by doing that we can and will get through this situation.
Anyone seeking clarification on those figures can access them by visiting https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/covid-19-lga.aspx
**
Information on stimulus measures that are available for businesses or individuals impacted by COVID-19 can be obtained by accessing Service NSW by phone (13 77 88) or by visiting a Service NSW centre.
I would encourage as many people as possible to try the hotline in the first instance, however if you do need to physically access a centre please observe the physical distancing measures as recommended.
**
A second stimulus package was announced last week, aimed at keeping people in jobs, helping businesses and supporting our most vulnerable people.
Information on the full range of measures announced by the NSW Government can be found by visiting https://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 and following the links.
**
Late last week, the NSW Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock announced that council elections scheduled for September of this year have been postponed for a year.
The postponement of the next elections will not change the future schedule of council elections, and the subsequent elections will still proceed in September 2024.
Current councillors and popularly elected mayors will continue to hold their civic offices until the rescheduled local government elections are held.
Mayoral elections will need to be held for mayors elected by councillors in September 2018 when their two-year terms expire this year.
Mayors elected in September 2019 will continue to hold office until September 2021 once the new election date is gazetted.
Until next week,
Dugald