Annabel Adair, Mullumbimby
I just rang Service NSW 13 77 88, told them I was in a locked down LGA, and asked could I leave to go and look at property outside the area?
The answer was an astounding ‘Yes,’ just so long as I had a few pieces of paper in case police stopped me, eg; showing the reason I had to move, such as eviction etc, and a letter from agents saying I was looking at property – all easy to fake – I was fine to go anywhere in NSW.
The answer you received from NSW Service is consistent with the NSW Public Health Orders, and the advice regarding documentation to carry is practical.
However your conclusion,
“all easy to fake – I was fine to go anywhere in NSW.”
even if made in jest, is dangerous:
1. You are not “fine”
2. And could be fined on numerous counts including knowingly breaching a public health order and falsifying documents.
3. These actions also may attract a criminal offence
4. And more importantly these actions threaten the safety and well-being of many others.
Your letter is dangerous as it could entice others to flaunt the stay at home orders resulting in extensions of these orders.
Don’t we all want to get back to a normal life?