The NSW government, in its recent media release, will convene a special sitting of NSW Parliament to consider a second set of laws to equip citizens, businesses and the justice system to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In substance, the bills will include proposals for extraordinary regulation-making powers to enhance social distancing by:

• The modification or suspension of laws requiring people to hold meetings in person, for example a board meeting or physical examination by a medical practitioner for a particular purpose;
• The facilitation of wholly electronic signing of documents (the Government continues to consult on what classes of documents will be affected); and
• The extension of limitation periods to take into account delays caused by the pandemic.