Lismore Labor MP Janelle Saffin is calling on the Government to quickly establish a contingency plan for its COVID Safe Check-in system and the Service NSW phone app after it crashed yesterday afternoon.

From January 1, the Government enforced the mandatory use of the Service NSW check-in system for all businesses, to ensure accurate data could be collated for COVID-19 contact tracing. This system failed on Thursday, leaving people unable to check in or out for hours.

Read more about the regulations: $5K fine for businesses not using QR Codes begins tomorrow

“It’s only been a week since businesses were required to use the Service NSW QR code system and scrap any other check-in systems they were using," Ms Saffin said.

“This major crash of the Service NSW app is concerning as important information will be lost for contact tracers at a time when NSW Health is seeking to contain recent outbreaks of COVID-19.”

Ms Saffin said the Government must have a back-up to ensure this never happens again. She said the crash also left many people without digital driver’s licences when needing show identification.

“This is unacceptable. The Service NSW QR code system is now a key line of defence against the spread of coronavirus and Minister Victor Dominello has to ensure there are no more crashes,” she said.

“The Minister must provide explanation about what action he is taking to rectify this App from crashing again.”