New rules will be introduced across NSW requiring gyms and fitness centres to register their COVID Safety Plan, and have a dedicated hygiene marshall on duty at all times.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said these extra measures are necessary to stop the spread of the virus and take effect from 12.01am on Saturday 1 August.
“We cannot afford to take any risks or allow complacency to creep in. Businesses must take all reasonable steps to reduce the risk of COVID transmission or risk facing a fine or closure,” Mr Dominello said.
“Gyms play a crucial role in the promotion of health and fitness across our community but they are not immune from this challenge. Without proper COVID safeguards, they may present a transmission risk and that is why we need operators to put their customers first by registering their COVID Safety Plan.
“Whether it’s maintaining social distancing, cleaning equipment after use or making hand sanitiser available for customers, these dedicated COVID Safe Hygiene Marshalls will play a pivotal role in keeping gyms safe and compliant.”
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said this is a critical time in our response to COVID-19.
“Members of the community and business have important roles to play. Gyms support people maintain their health and wellbeing. I ask that patrons cooperate with Hygiene Marshalls to keep people safe,” Dr Chant said.
The NSW Government has today launched a new taskforce that will make it easier for small and medium suppliers of information and communication technology (ICT) services to do business with government.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the new ‘ICT and Digital Sovereign Procurement Taskforce’ will establish a greater diversity of Digital / ICT service providers and suppliers who engage with the NSW Government.
“It’s all about levelling the playing field and ensuring small and medium enterprises can compete on an equal footing,” Mr Dominello said.
“The NSW Government has committed $1.6 billion to transforming government services and this investment will help local small and medium enterprises and start-ups to grow, building critical sovereign capability for the future here in NSW.”
Small Business Minister Damien Tudehope said the Taskforce would look at ways to increase spend on small and medium enterprises, Aboriginal organisations, disability enterprises, and start-ups, stimulating the local digital economy and extending it through regional NSW.
“We have the best small businesses in Australia right here in NSW who deliver amazing products and services and we should always be looking at ways to make sure these businesses are getting more government work,” Mr Tudehope said.
Today’s announcement builds on existing NSW Government initiatives encouraging growth and investment in Technology Precincts, such as:
- Tech Central – The $48.2 million in funding in Tech Central announced in June 2020 will provide affordable space for start-up and scale-up businesses, bringing up to 25,000 new jobs to NSW.
- Sydney Startup Hub - Providing desk space for up to 1,800 workers, it is a home for startups designed to spark a pipeline of new and sustainable jobs.
- Western Sydney Aerotropolis – Creating 200,000 new jobs, services and homes in Western Sydney by establishing a new high-skill hub across aerospace and defence, manufacturing, healthcare, freight and logistics, agribusiness, education and research industries.
For more information, including providing a submission to be on the Taskforce, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/ict-sovereign-procurement-taskforce.
For the latest information visit www.nsw.gov.au