Increased cases and New Testing and Vaccination Sites

Concerningly for our local community, NSW Health is reporting increased cases and low vaccination rates in Redfern, Darlington, Waterloo, and Eveleigh. There are new testing sites and a pop up Pfizer vaccination clinic so you can walk up and get vaccinated today. 

It’s also being reported that vaccination rates for 16-25 year olds is quite low. We know there are lots of reasons for this, including a lack of information and delays in eligibility, so it's really important that this age group are supported and encouraged to be able to get vaccinated as soon as possible.  

The NSW Premier and Treasurer today announced a new financial assistance packaged for people and businesses who have lost income due to the Greater Sydney lockdown. The $600 disaster payment for people who have lost more than 20 hours a week will be raised to $750 and the payment for people who have lost less than 20 hours of work will increase from $375 to $450 a week.

If you have lost income as a result of lockdown there is support available. We know that lots of people are not eligible and we are advocating for those loopholes to be closed, which is why we are asking people to tell us so that we can bring it to the attention of the Government.

We have developed a directory of contact details for health advice, income support, government services and assistance available regarding COVID-19. 

We know that there are some people who have fallen through the cracks of the COVID lockdown support package. 

We hold serious concerns for significant numbers of people who will not receive support in this package, including any current recipient of an income support payment such as JobSeeker, Austudy or the Disability Support Payment, as well as people who are in precarious work or housing. The eligibility of non-citizens is very unclear.

The purpose of this survey is to hear directly from you – so that we know where the specific gaps are in the support package – and who is missing out.

We will then use this information to raise it directly with the NSW Premier, Treasurer and Health Minister urging them to immediately address these gaps – and expand the necessary supports.

The Greens are committed to ensuring no one in NSW is forced to choose whether to risk breaking the health restrictions or being able to pay rent or put food on their table. By excluding people from this support package, this is exactly what people will be forced to do if the NSW Liberal/National Government does not act.

*Please be aware that we will not be individually responding to the concerns shared. However, when you complete this survey you will be directed to a page with contact details for emergency assistance and other support services.

Our COVID pandemic support directory also has a list of contacts where you can find assistance for specific issues.

The NSW Government has just announced 60 day eviction moratorium for residential and retail tenants. Well done to every one who joined the call for this important protection. Eligible COVID-impacted residential tenants who cannot meet their rent payments will be protected from eviction during the moratorium period commencing from 14 July and finishing at the end of 11 September 2021.

Legislative Council amendments to the Liquor Amendment (24-hour Economy) Bill 2020, in particular, the amendments relating to small bars, will have a significant positive impact on the Electorate of Newtown and in protecting and rebuilding our vibrant night-time culture.