Date	|	Description	Link
2020-08-09		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions Updated border restrictions in place with three types of travellers classified. The Emergency Management (Cross Border Travel No 7) (COVID-19) Direction 2020 has been revoked and replaced by the Emergency Management (Cross Border Travel No 8) (COVID-19) Direction 2020. This new Direction comes into effect as of 0001 Thursday 9 July 2020
2020-08-09		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions 1. Persons arriving from a low community transmission zone. These persons are those people who arrive from Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania and have for the 14 days prior to arrival not been in any other place other than a low community transmission zone.
2020-08-09		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies 2. Persons travelling from a place outside of South Australia (other than Victoria). All persons arriving from a place outside of South Australia, other than from a low community transmission zone, must self-quarantine in accordance with Schedule 3 of the direction, unless they are an Essential Traveller
2020-08-09		Movement restrictions: Border closure  3. Persons travelling from Victoria. A person travelling from Victoria is prohibited from entering South Australia unless they are an Essential Traveller
2020-08-09		Public health measures: Other public health measures enforced All Essential Travellers, except those that are classified as National and State security and governance must maintain close contact records for the 14 days after arrival, and keep those records for a further 28 days after that.
2020-08-08		Movement restrictions: Additional health/documents requirements upon arrival To cross the border you will need to obtain a Queensland Border Declaration Pass. Applications can be made at the border, however you may face delays.
2020-08-08		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies Everyone, including children, must quarantine in government arranged accommodation. You will need to quarantine with your child in the accommodation, at your expense.
2020-08-08		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies If you have had a layover at Melbourne Tullamarine airport you will be required to quarantine for 14 days in government arranged accommodation at your own expense when you arrive. If you completed your quarantine in Melbourne Tullamarine airport you will be required to complete another 14 days quarantine upon arrival into Queensland.
2020-08-08		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies If you have had a layover at an airport located in other hotspots, you will be able to enter Queensland without quarantining as long as you didn’t leave the airport.
2020-08-08		Movement restrictions: Border closure  Anyone can enter Queensland unless they have been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days. The tightening of restrictions means people who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot within the last 14 days will no longer be able to quarantine in Queensland and will be turned away at our border.
2020-08-08		Movement restrictions: Additional health/documents requirements upon arrival All arrivals to the Northern Territory (NT) must: fill in a Border Entry Form; complete 14 days of mandatory supervised quarantine at your own expense*, if you have recently been in a declared COVID-19 hot spot.
2020-08-08		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies All arrivals to the Northern Territory (NT) must: fill in a Border Entry Form; complete 14 days of mandatory supervised quarantine at your own expense*, if you have recently been in a declared COVID-19 hot spot.
2020-08-07		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions From 12.01am Friday 7 August, returning New South Wales residents will only be allowed to return through Sydney Airport.
2020-08-07		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies Returning NSW residents must also go into mandatory hotel quarantine for 14 days, at their own expense.
2020-08-07		Movement restrictions: Border closure  All international travel is banned.
2020-08-07		Public health measures: Other public health measures enforced Permitted workplaces have until 11:59pm on Friday 7 August to implement their COVID Safe Plan.
2020-08-07		Public health measures: Other public health measures enforced Employees must carry the worker permit and should carry photo identification when travelling to and from the workplace. A worker permit can be shown electronically to authorities such as a photo, or scanned copy, on a mobile device.
2020-08-07		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures The JobKeeper Payment turnover test and employee eligibility are being changed to help those severely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).
2020-08-06		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services From Thursday 6 August, only the children of permitted workers and vulnerable kids will be able to access childcare and kinder.
2020-08-06		Public health measures: General recommendations People who have been in the Greater Sydney Area or the City of Newcastle are advised not to visit or work in high-risk settings, including aged care facilities, hospitals and correctional facilities, for a period of 14 days after leaving these areas.
2020-08-06		Movement restrictions: Border closure  Under a Public Health Direction, anyone (other than ACT residents) travelling into the ACT from Victoria will be denied entry to the ACT unless they are granted an exemption by ACT Health.
2020-08-06		Movement restrictions: Border closure  due to NSW updating their border restrictions for travel from Victoria, entry to the ACT from Victoria is now only possible through Canberra Airport, by air.
2020-08-06		Public health measures: Other public health measures enforced ACT residents can return home from Victoria by air, but are required to enter quarantine until 14 days after leaving Victoria. ACT residents must notify ACT Health of their intention to return. This notification should be made as early as possible, and at least 72 hours before the intended travel date, wherever possible.
2020-08-06		Movement restrictions: Additional health/documents requirements upon arrival All incoming passengers from Victoria will be met at the airport and required to provide evidence that they are an ACT resident and have notified ACT Health of their return to the ACT, or that they have been granted an exemption to enter the ACT for exceptional reasons.
2020-08-05		Lockdown: Partial lockdown From 11:59pm on Wednesday 5 August, Stage 3 – Stay at Home restrictions apply in regional Victoria and remain in Mitchell Shire.
2020-08-05		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services From 11:59pm Wednesday 5 August, workplaces in Melbourne must be closed unless: the workplace is part of a permitted activity, or all employees are working from home.
2020-08-05		Public health measures: Other public health measures enforced From 11:59pm on Wednesday 5 August, employers that require their staff to attend a work site must issue a worker permit to their employees – this is the employer’s responsibility. Penalties of up to $19,826 (for individuals) and $99,132 (for businesses) will apply to employers who issue worker permits to employees who do not meet the requirements of the worker permit scheme or who otherwise breach the scheme requirements. There will also be on-the-spot fines of up to $1,652 (for individuals) and up to $9,913 (for businesses) for anyone who breaches the scheme requirements. This includes employers and employees who do not carry their worker permit when travelling to and from work.
2020-08-05		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions Most regional travel restrictions were removed on Friday, 5 June 2020. Travel is now permitted throughout all regions within WA, except for entry into remote Aboriginal communities.
2020-08-05		Social distancing: Schools closure  Primary and secondary students return to remote and flexible learning from Wednesday 5 August.
2020-08-05		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures $33 million support package to help Victorian childcare services remain open for vulnerable families and permitted workers, while helping Victorian parents keep their child’s enrolment.
2020-08-04		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures From 4 August, mutual obligations requirements for job seekers apply.
2020-08-03		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures The Australian Government will provide a pandemic leave disaster payment for those in Victoria who have to isolate due to coronavirus (COVID-19) but do not have sick leave.
2020-08-02		Public health measures: Requirement to wear protective gear in public People in New South Wales are strongly encouraged to use masks in high-risk public settings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
2020-08-02		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Supermarkets, food and liquor stores will continue to stay open during Stage 4 to allow people to buy food so there is no need to stock up on groceries.
2020-08-02		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions If you are leaving home to exercise or for shopping, you cannot travel more than 5km from your home.
2020-08-02		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Under Stage 4 restrictions, you can exercise once a day for a maximum of an hour – with one other person.
2020-08-02		Socio-economic measures: Emergency administrative structures activated or established Stage 3 restrictions will apply from Wednesday 5 August for all other parts of Victoria.
2020-08-02		Movement restrictions: Surveillance and monitoring Victoria Police can issue on the spot fines of up to $1,652 for individuals and up to $9,913 for businesses for: Refusing or failing to comply with the emergency directions; Refusing or failing to comply with a public health risk direction; Refusing or failing to comply with the Public Health Directions to provide information.
2020-08-02		Movement restrictions: Surveillance and monitoring Fines of up to $20,000 for individuals and $100,000 for businesses are possible through the court system.
2020-08-02		Public health measures: Requirement to wear protective gear in public Individuals who do not wear a face covering and do not have a lawful reason can be fined $200.
2020-08-02		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Funerals held in metropolitan Melbourne will be restricted to 10 mourners plus people required to conduct the funeral.
2020-08-02		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services You cannot attend a religious service – we encourage you to use online services, where feasible, instead to engage people in worship.
2020-08-02		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Outdoor sport facilities are closed. Indoor sports centres including gyms, training facilities and pools are closed.
2020-08-02		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services restaurants and cafés can open for takeaway and delivery only. food courts are now closed, including restaurants and cafés within food courts.
2020-08-02		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services pubs, bars, clubs and nightclubs will be closed. They can offer takeaway or home delivery of food and alcohol only. bottle shops can open.
2020-08-02		Social distancing: Schools closure  Study at TAFE and university must be done remotely.
2020-08-02		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Only one person per household can leave home to get necessary goods and services. They can leave once a day
2020-08-02		Public health measures: Requirement to wear protective gear in public From 11:59pm on Sunday 2 August everyone in the state of Victoria must wear a face covering whenever they leave home unless an exemption applies.
2020-08-02		Socio-economic measures: Emergency administrative structures activated or established From 6pm on Sunday 2 August, if you live in metropolitan Melbourne, Stage 4 restrictions apply.
2020-08-02		Movement restrictions: Curfews A curfew is in place between the hours of 8pm until 5am. This means you must be at your home during these hours. The only reasons to leave home between 8pm and 5am will be work, medical care and caregiving
2020-08-02		Lockdown: Partial lockdown As much as you can, you must stay at home. When you leave home, you must use a face covering, unless you have a lawful reason for not doing so.
2020-08-02		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions You must not travel into metropolitan Melbourne except for permitted work purposes, care and compassionate reasons or shopping for food and supplies.
2020-08-02		Public health measures: General recommendations There is no vaccine for COVID-19, but there is one for the flu. You should get a flu shot. Getting the flu and COVID-19 at the same time can make you very ill.
2020-08-02		Public health measures: Psychological assistance and medical social work The Australian Government will provide 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions for people subjected to further restrictions in areas impacted by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020-07-31		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies Non-Tasmanian and Tasmanian residents entering mandatory government-designated accommodation are required to pay a fee from 31 July 2020.
2020-07-31		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies all non-essential travellers arriving in Tasmania are required to undertake 14 days quarantine in government-designated accommodation. This includes Tasmanian residents who have spent time in an affected region (currently Victoria) or an affected premises in the 14 days prior to arriving in Tasmania.
2020-07-31		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies Tasmanian residents undertaking quarantine at their private residence are not required to pay a quarantine fee.
2020-07-24		Public health measures: Strengthening the public health system All states and territories welcomed the support that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is providing, with more than 3,100 personnel assisting with planning and logistics, testing, quarantine and control points across the country. The ADF is there to work with state and territory health responses as needed.
2020-07-24		Public health measures: Strengthening the public health system National Cabinet agreed to a new set of data and metrics to ensure that the Commonwealth, states and territories all have access to transparent up-to-date jurisdictional data on contact tracing, tracking and other metrics to ensure health system capacity.
2020-07-24		Socio-economic measures: Military deployment All states and territories welcomed the support that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is providing, with more than 3,100 personnel assisting with planning and logistics, testing, quarantine and control points across the country. The ADF is there to work with state and territory health responses as needed.
2020-07-21		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures JobKeeper Payment and Coronavirus Supplement extended. The Australian Government is extending the JobKeeper Payment and the Coronavirus Supplement beyond September 2020.
2020-07-20		Social distancing: Schools closure  Prep to Year 10 will return to school on Monday 20 July through remote and flexible learning
2020-07-17		Movement restrictions: Border closure  The NT said they plan to open their borders on July 17, but people who live in Melbourne "hotspots" will have to self-isolate for 14 days at their own cost upon arrival.
2020-07-17		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies people who live in Melbourne "hotspots" will have to self-isolate for 14 days at their own cost upon arrival.
2020-07-17		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures $400 million incentive for studio productions. Seven year program to attract film and television productions to Australia.
2020-07-16		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures Australian Government will invest $2 billion to give Australians access to new skills by retraining and upskilling them into sectors with job opportunities, as the economy recovers from COVID-19.
2020-07-13		Social distancing: Schools closure  All Year 11 and Year 12 students in these areas will go back to school for Term 3 as planned from 13 July, along with students at special schools.
2020-07-13		Movement restrictions: Border closure  Introduction of caps on international passengers flows
2020-07-12		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures The $750 Economic Support Payment aims to help Australians on lower incomes who are struggling financially due to COVID-19.
2020-07-10		Movement restrictions: Surveillance and monitoring National Cabinet agreed to a national review of hotel quarantine arrangements.
2020-07-10		Movement restrictions: Border closure  From July 10, Queensland will welcome travellers from every state except Victoria, whose citizens will need to quarantine for 14 days before they can visit the sunshine state.
2020-07-08		Lockdown: Partial lockdown the Victorian Government has announced that metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will return to Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions from 11.59pm on Wednesday 8 July 2020. Restrictions will be in place until 11:59pm on Wednesday 19 August 2020.
2020-07-08		Public health measures: General recommendations t is recommended that you wear a cloth mask when leaving home for 1 of the 4 essential reasons if it is going to be difficult for you to maintain 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
2020-07-08		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions If you live outside metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, there are only three reasons to enter: shopping for food and supplies, medical care and caregiving, and study or work – if you can’t do it from home.
2020-07-08		Movement restrictions: Border closure  From 8 July, you’ll need a border entry permit to travel from Victoria to NSW. The permit is valid for 14 days from the date of issue and applies to all borders: land, air and sea, as well as river crossings.
2020-07-01		Movement restrictions: Surveillance and monitoring Health Minister Steven Miles warned that "strict penalties will apply for people who lie to us about any travel to Victoria".
2020-07-01		Socio-economic measures: Emergency administrative structures activated or established From 11.59pm on Wednesday 1 July, there will be changes in restrictions to respond to the increase in case numbers and to help reduce the risk of further transmission.
2020-07-01		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings seeing only those you need to – if you need to.
2020-07-01		Public health measures: Other public health measures enforced shopping centres are required to apply the four square metre rule to limit the number of shoppers.
2020-07-01		Public health measures: Other public health measures enforced outdoor markets are required to apply the four square metre rule to limit the number of shoppers.
2020-07-01		Lockdown: Partial lockdown you can visit a restricted postcode for four reasons: shopping for food and supplies, care and caregiving, exercise, and study or work – if you can’t do it from home.
2020-07-01		Lockdown: Partial lockdown Restricted postcode: you need to stay at home. There are four reasons that you can leave home: Shopping for food or other essential items; To provide care giving, for compassionate reasons or to seek medical treatment; For exercise (outdoor exercise only, with only one other person or members of your household); Work or study, if you cannot work or study from home;
2020-07-01		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Restricted postcode: you cannot have visitors to your home except for caregiving or compassionate reasons or receiving services.
2020-07-01		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions Restricted postcode: you can no longer visit friends and family who live at another household, except for caregiving or compassionate reasons or providing services.
2020-07-01		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Restricted postcode: galleries, museums, historic sites, zoos, outdoor amusement parks and arcades, play centres, indoor and drive-in cinemas, concert venues, theatres, auditoriums, arenas, stadiums, casinos and gaming will be closed
2020-07-01		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Restricted postcode: indoor sports centres including gyms, training facilities and pools will be closed
2020-07-01		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Restricted postcode: restrictions on the number of people who can attend weddings and funerals. religious ceremonies and private worship can only occur online
2020-07-01		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Restricted postcode: libraries and community venues will be closed, except for essential public support services such as food banks
2020-07-01		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Restricted postcode: beauty and personal care services will be closed, apart from hairdressers and barbers
2020-07-01		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Restricted postcode: restaurants and cafes can open to serve takeaway and home delivery only
2020-07-01		Movement restrictions: Border closure  Tasmania’s borders are still shut to interstate travellers.
2020-07-01		Movement restrictions: Border closure  Travel to South Australia is not permitted for NSW or Victorian people, after the SA Government scrapped plans to fully reopen their borders by July 20.
2020-07-01		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings From today, indoor venues including pubs, cafes and restaurants, as well as functions, can hold any number of people, as long as they remain seated and stick to one person per four square metres.
2020-07-01		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Weddings can have up to 20 guests, excluding the couple getting married.
2020-07-01		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings A maximum of 10,000 fans are allowed to fill stadiums for sporting or cultural events from today, while community sport can resume for kids and adults alike.
2020-07-01		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings 20-guest limit on household and outdoor gatherings remains in place, which means nightclubs and music festivals are still off the cards.
2020-07-01		Public health measures: General recommendations NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian commanded people not to travel to Melbourne at all and encouraged NSW accommodation vendors to bar Melburnians.
2020-06-24		Public health measures: Awareness campaigns Victorians urged to get tested if showing symptoms of COVID-19. Testing is free at COVID-19 clinics and drive through testing is available.
2020-06-24		Public health measures: Strengthening the public health system Almost 90 clinics have been established across Victoria to test people with cold and flu symptoms for COVID-19, influenza and pneumonia.
2020-06-24		Public health measures: Awareness campaigns Symptom checker made available online
2020-06-22		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings the number of visitors you can have at your home will reduce to five. Outside the home, families and friends can meet in groups up to ten.
2020-06-22		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings restaurants, pubs, auction halls, community halls, libraries, museums and places of worship – will all stay at a maximum of 20 people in any one space until 12 July
2020-06-22		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services gyms, cinemas, theatres and TABs can open – but again, only with a maximum of 20.
2020-06-22		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Community sport for kids and non-contact competition for adults can proceed as planned.
2020-06-22		Public health measures: Other public health measures enforced Ski season and accommodation facilities with communal spaces will also open, but with increased screening and safeguards in place.
2020-06-22		Public health measures: General recommendations If you do have to see people, keep your distance. No handshakes and no hugs. Maintain good hygiene. Don’t share food or drinks. And if you’re feeling unwell – stay at home.
2020-06-22		Public health measures: Awareness campaigns Don’t visit friends and family. Don’t go on holiday. Don’t go to work. Stay home.
2020-06-22		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures new $1500 payment for those who have a confirmed case or are a close contact and who can’t rely on sick leave.
2020-06-09		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures Mutual obligation requirements for job seekers will recommence, in a limited capacity, from Tuesday 9 June 2020
2020-06-05		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies If you arrive in the Northern Territory from interstate, you’ll need to quarantine for 14 days. You’ll be required to pay a ’quarantine fee’ to cover the costs of the 14-day period
2020-06-05		Movement restrictions: Border closure  The ACT currently doesn’t have any border restrictions, so if you or a member of your household is returning to the ACT from interstate, they don’t need to self-isolate.
2020-06-05		Movement restrictions: Border closure  New South Wales currently doesn’t have any border restrictions, so if you or a member of your household is returning from interstate, they don’t need to self-isolate.
2020-06-05		Movement restrictions: Border closure  Queensland borders remain closed. Only residents, essential workers and those with a valid border pass are allowed to enter Queensland at this time.
2020-06-05		Movement restrictions: Border closure  Border-control checkpoints have been set up at 12 locations along the border for travellers entering South Australia.
2020-06-05		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies ravellers will be asked about their travel plans, and must sign a declaration about their health and their ability to self-isolate for 14 days.
2020-06-05		Movement restrictions: Border closure  The Tasmanian border remains closed, with only Tasmanian residents and essential travellers allowed to enter the state.
2020-06-05		Movement restrictions: Border closure  Victoria doesn’t have any border restrictions and there is no requirement in Victoria to quarantine after travelling domestically.
2020-06-05		Movement restrictions: Border closure  No one can enter WA from outside the state unless they’ve been granted an exemption.
2020-05-30		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services ACT reveals coronavirus ’recovery plan’ as restrictions ease, allowing gyms, beauty parlours to reopen
2020-05-30		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Canberra restaurants and cafes can serve up to 20 patrons, allowing for social distancing, from this weekend
2020-05-30		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings gatherings of up to 20 people would be permitted, as long as social distancing is maintained.
2020-05-29		Public health measures: Strengthening the public health system The new 2020-25 National Health Reform Agreement provides an estimated $131.4 billion in additional funding to public hospitals over five years from 2020–21. This is in addition to the over $8 billion health investment by the Commonwealth during the COVID-19 response.
2020-05-29		Public health measures: Awareness campaigns TV ad reminds all Australians to be COVIDSafe by washing your hands, keeping your distance and having the COVIDSafe app.
2020-05-25		Social distancing: Schools closure  Years 2-10 back at school
2020-05-25		Social distancing: Schools closure  Kindergarten to Year 6 students return to learning at school. Year 11 and 12 students at extension schools and colleges return to learning at school.
2020-05-25		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Aged care visits - move to national restrictions of two visitors, once a day.
2020-05-25		Social distancing: Schools closure  NSW public school students to return to classrooms full time after coronavirus shutdown
2020-05-18		Social distancing: Schools closure  Students in preschool, kindergarten, years 1, 2 and 7, along with some year 11 and 12 pupils, are the first to return to classrooms today as part of a staggered reopening of public schools. Next week, students in years 3, 4 and 10 will return, while years 5, 6, 8 and 9 will go back from June 2.
2020-05-18		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Stage one restrictions are being eased, meaning restaurants and cafes in all settings (including restaurants in pubs, clubs, hotels and RSLs) can seat up to 10 people at a time.
2020-05-18		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Gatherings increase to 10 people (except visitors to households, which is capped at 5 people) for indoor and outdoor, including real estate, small religious gatherings and weddings. Funerals can extend to 30 people outdoors. Restaurants and cafes in all settings (including restaurants in pubs, clubs, hotels and RSLs) to open and seat patrons of up to 10 people at a time. Seated table service only with physical distancing.
2020-05-18		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Community and local government facilities and libraries allowed to open for up to 10 people. Park exercise equipment and playgrounds, pools and boot camps open for up to 10 people.
2020-05-18		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Public gatherings - indoor and outdoor non-work gatherings of up to 20 people; weddings and funerals up to 20 people inside or 30 outside. Dining out - cafés and restaurants with meal service, including within pubs, bars, clubs, hotels and casino up to 20 patrons. Return to work - Western Australians are encouraged to return to work, unless they are unwell or vulnerable.
2020-05-18		Public health measures: Other public health measures enforced Businesses across Western Australia will need to prepare a COVID Safety Plan before they re-open, to protect staff and customers.
2020-05-18		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions Regional travel restrictions relaxed, with travel allowed between: South West, Great Southern, Wheatbelt and Perth-Peel regions; Mid-West, Gascoyne and Pilbara regions (excluding the biosecurity zone); Goldfields-Esperance region (excluding the biosecurity zone)within Kimberley Local Government areas (the Commonwealth’s biosecurity zone remains in place). Travel exemptions will be required to travel between these regions.
2020-05-18		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions Travel exemptions will be required to travel between exempted travel regions.
2020-05-18		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Non-contact community sports up to 20 people; outdoor or indoor fitness classes with minimal shared equipment, up to 20 people;
2020-05-18		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services public pools (1 indoor and 1 outdoor) permitted to open under strict rules and up to 20 patrons per pool.
2020-05-18		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Community facilities - places of worship, community facilities and libraries permitted to reopenup to 20 patrons.
2020-05-15		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Easing of restrictions in NSW: outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people; cafes and restaurants can seat 10 patrons at any one time; up to 5 visitors to a household at any one time; weddings up to 10 guests; indoor funerals up to 20 mourners, outdoor funerals up to 30; religious gatherings/places of worship up to 10 worshippers
2020-05-15		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Easing of restrictions in NSW: outdoor pools open
2020-05-15		Public health measures: Psychological assistance and medical social work The Prime Minister has announced $48.1 million in funding for the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan. The plan will support services available in homes, workplaces, aged care, schools and other community sites with a specific focus on vulnerable groups.
2020-05-15		Socio-economic measures: Emergency administrative structures activated or established Governor-General extended the human biosecurity emergency period for three months from 17 June 2020 to 17 September 2020.
2020-05-15		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services National Cabinet has agreed to begin a return to elective surgeries around the country, at a pace set by State and Territory Governments.
2020-05-15		Public health measures: Psychological assistance and medical social work Victoria’s investment of $19.5 million, announced today, to deliver mental health reforms and additional resources, staff and programs, as more people seek support as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020-05-15		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Subject to a 2hr time limit: Serve and consume food or beverages in a shopping centre food court. Operate and attend restaurants, cafes. Operate and attend a bar, sports or RSL club (alcohol allowed with the consumption of food), excluding gaming activities.
2020-05-15		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Subject to a 2hr time limit: Participate in organised training activities for sporting clubs and teams.
2020-05-15		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Subject to a 2hr time limit: Operate or attend an indoor market. Operate or attend a beauty therapy salon for (non facial) services, such as nails, massage and tanning. Operate or attend a studio that provides yoga, Pilates, Zumba, barre, dance classes. Operate or attend physical training activities indoors such as Cross Fit. Operate and attend a gymnasium.
2020-05-15		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Subject to a 2hr time limit: Visit a public library or a toy library, or indoor playground. Operate and attend a place used for religious worship. Attend an art gallery, museum, public memorial, public historic site, zoo or wildlife facility.
2020-05-15		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services The activities and venues eligible to open on May 15 are: Shopping centre food courts Restaurants, cafes, and bars for the consumption of food - excluding gaming areas Organised outdoor training activities for sport teams without physical contact Beauty therapy salons for non-facial services such as nails, massage and tanning Gymnasiums Public libraries Places used for religious worship - including for indoor weddings and funerals
2020-05-13		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Victorians will be able to host up to five visitors in their homes and meet outdoors in groups of 10 from Wednesday
2020-05-12		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Sport and exercise can resume if you can keep your distance (at least 1.5 metres apart), you are not doing your activities indoors and they are not competitive (team vs team); and you can do them with a maximum of 10 people.
2020-05-12		Public health measures: Other public health measures enforced Three special requirements for every business in Victoria that has customers on its premises
2020-05-12		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies There is no requirement in Victoria to quarantine after travelling domestically.
2020-05-12		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions You can go for a drive, but you are encouraged to stay local, and only go to places where you can drive there and back within one day. You can still book accommodation if there is an essential need.
2020-05-12		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Victorians who can work from home must continue to work from home until the end of May
2020-05-11		Social distancing: Schools closure  Kindy, prep, years 1, 11 and 12 students back at school
2020-05-11		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Funerals – increase from 10 to 20 attendees. Aged care visits – one visit per week and no more than two visitors, managed by the facility._x000D_
2020-05-11		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions National parks and reserves – open to residents for exercise within 30km of their home._x000D_
2020-05-11		Social distancing: Schools closure  TasTAFE campuses and training facilities open for invited small groups of students only attending practical learning and assessment sessions.
2020-05-11		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions Regional travel is to be permitted. Getting back travelling within the state will be a great way to support regional communities.
2020-05-11		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Campgrounds and caravan parks will also be able to go back to normal operations but gatherings should be limited to a maximum of 10 people.
2020-05-11		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Swimming pools will be able to re-open, allowing one lap swimmer per lane, and no more than 10 swimmers at once.
2020-05-11		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Sporting clubs will be able to recommence some outdoor training in groups of no more than 10, with contact between team-mates still discouraged. The limit on funeral attendees will be lifted to 20 attendees for indoor services and 30 for outdoors. Wedding will be able to have up to 10 guests (not counting the celebrant and staff). Churches will be able to reopen but no more than 10 people can attend at once.
2020-05-11		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Council libraries will be clear to reopen allowing a maximum of 10 patrons at a time.
2020-05-11		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings The restriction on gatherings at community, youth and RSL halls will be eased. Gatherings of up to 10 people will be permitted. Auctions and home inspections will be able to recommence, with a maximum of 10 participants at a time.
2020-05-11		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Cafes and restaurants will be able to offer outdoor dining for up to 10 patrons at a time.
2020-05-11		Social distancing: Schools closure  Universities and TAFEs will be able to recommence face-to-face tutorials.
2020-05-11		Social distancing: Schools closure  In New South Wales, students are expected to begin returning to school one day a week from May 11.
2020-05-10		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Visits should be limited to two people per aged care resident at one time each day, restricted to rooms, outdoor or specific areas designated by providers. Children should not visit aged care centres at all.
2020-05-10		Public health measures: Other public health measures enforced Strengthened guidelines to protect aged care residents. Aged care facilities around Australia are now required to restrict visitation as the Federal Government continues to combat the spread of coronavirus. Visits should be limited to two people per resident at one time each day, restricted to rooms, outdoor or specific areas designated by providers. Children should not visit aged care centres at all.
2020-05-10		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings From 10 May 2020, you can have a maximum of five visitors to your home who are from the same household OR two visitors from different households.
2020-05-08		Public health measures: Testing policy Testing criteria has changed to include all Queenslanders with symptoms of fever (or history of fever) OR acute respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, shortness of breath).
2020-05-08		Socio-economic measures: Emergency administrative structures activated or established Our three-step plan provides a pathway for jurisdictions to move towards COVID safe communities in a way that best suits their individual circumstances. States and territories are able to move between the steps on the pathway at different times, in line with their current public health situation and local conditions. They’ll need to maintain steady case numbers and be able to rapidly contain outbreaks, which we’re set to do - with our enhanced testing regime, strengthened health surge capacity, and improved ability to quickly identify people who may have been exposed to the virus._x000D_ _x000D_ Step 1 will focus on carefully reopening the economy, and giving Australians opportunities to return to work and social activities, including gatherings of up to 10 people, up to 5 visitors in the family home and some local and regional travel_x000D_ Step 2 builds on this with gatherings of up to 20, and more businesses reopening, including gyms, beauty services and entertainment venues like galleries and cinemas._x000D_ Step 3 will see a transition to COVID safe ways of living and working, with gatherings of up to 100 people permitted. Arrangements under step 3 will be the ‘new normal’ while the virus remains a threat. International travel and mass gatherings over 100 people will remain restricted.
2020-05-08		Movement restrictions: Surveillance and monitoring National Cabinet also committed – as part of the three-step plan – to regular reviews and stocktake assessments of our progress every three weeks. We will be closely monitoring the situation as restrictions are eased. This will enable us to assess the impact of changes, track progress against our agreed precedent conditions, determine the pace of moving through the steps, and make any further decisions. The AHPPC and National Cabinet were very firm on this. We are prepared for an increase in case numbers or possible outbreaks, but relapse should not be an option. A second wave is not something we can afford to go through.
2020-05-08		Public health measures: Awareness campaigns Each step we take needs to be underpinned by a strong commitment from all of us to: stay 1.5 metres away from other people whenever and wherever we can; maintain good hand washing and cough/sneeze hygiene; stay home when we’re unwell, and getting tested if we have respiratory symptoms or a fever; download the COVIDSafe app so we can find the virus quickly, and develop COVID safe plans for workplaces and plans.
2020-05-08		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings All indoor and outdoor gatherings can have a maximum of 10 people (including children).
2020-05-06		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures APEC economies agree to keep markets open and trade flowing
2020-05-05		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures Australia and New Zealand are committed to introducing a trans-Tasman COVID-safe travel zone as soon as it is safe to do so. The Prime Ministers welcomed the early interest of business leaders and other stakeholders in a trans-Tasman COVID-safe travel zone. Officials would work closely with these groups, including the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum, as planning developed further.
2020-05-05		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures Aust Govt will provide an additional $63.3 million for the legal assistance sector: $49.8 million for additional frontline legal services, such as legal advice or representation, and with 40 per cent to be used for matters involving domestic violence; and $13.5 million for IT costs to support the sector’s transition to delivering assistance virtually and online
2020-05-05		Socio-economic measures: Emergency administrative structures activated or established National Cabinet agreed to establish a three step framework to gradually remove baseline restrictions to enable Australians to live in a COVID-19 safe economy. Individual states and territories will determine the timeframe for graduating between steps and individual restrictions to remove. This reflects the fact that states and territories are at different stages of the pandemic response, with 6 of 8 states and territories now recording multiple zero case days.
2020-05-05		Public health measures: Other public health measures enforced National Cabinet agreed that supply of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to corrections facilities should be considered a priority in the context of the national supply of PPE, as additional supplies become available and if COVID-19 cases are confirmed in the sector.
2020-05-02		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services parks, pools and playgrounds were opened and attendance limits were lifted on outdoor social activities.
2020-05-02		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions "From midnight on Friday [Saturday morning], you will be able to go for a drive," she said, adding that people must remain within 50 kilometres of their home.
2020-05-01		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Shopping centres open
2020-05-01		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings NT Government releases COVID-19 Safety Plan checklist for businesses
2020-05-01		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings From Friday 1 May, up to 2 adults and their dependent children will be allowed to visit another household.
2020-05-01		Public health measures: Awareness campaigns Avoid sharing cups, utensils and cigarettes. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are touched by more than one person – e.g. phones, door handles, benches, equipment, toys etc. Avoid touching your face and cough and sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow. Hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser before and after any contact with surfaces such as playground equipment that is used by more than one person.
2020-05-01		Public health measures: Other public health measures enforced Subject to a 2hr time limit: Participate in non-contact, non-collision outdoor sports, Exercise outdoors with other people such as yoga and bootcamp.
2020-05-01		Public health measures: Other public health measures enforced Subject to a 2hr time limit: Meet up with people in outdoor areas, including gatherings like markets, weddings and funerals. Conduct and attend outdoor religious gatherings.
2020-05-01		Public health measures: Other public health measures enforced Subject to a 2 hour time limit: Visit parks and reserves including campgrounds that are accessible from where you are without needing to enter a restricted area biosecurity zone. Swim in a lagoon at the waterfront, rivers and natural pools outside the biosecurity zones. Go fishing, boating, sailing with other people.
2020-05-01		Public health measures: Other public health measures enforced Subject to a 2hr time limit: Attend a public swimming pool, water park or skate park, outdoor public playground or outdoor gym equipment.
2020-05-01		Public health measures: Strengthening the public health system National Cabinet endorsed medical advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee which sets out key metrics to support decision making on the relaxation of restriction measures. AHPPC advice is that of 15 precedent conditions needed to be in place to consider relaxing restrictions, Australia is currently on track to meet 11 conditions. Governments will expediate four conditions - surveillance (testing), state and territory surveillance plans and resources, use of COVIDSafe App and stocks of personal protective equipment - gowns and goggles.
2020-05-01		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings National Cabinet considered and endorsed ‘National Principles for the Resumption of Sport and Recreation Activities [PDF 350 KB]’ developed by the AHPPC in consultation with sporting bodies across Australia
2020-05-01		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings National Cabinet agreed that the ‘Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment [PDF 506 KB]’ developed by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) provides a guide to the staged resumption of sport and recreation in Australia
2020-05-01		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings National Cabinet also endorsed the AHPPC’s proposal to form a COVID-19 Sports and Health Committee comprising the Commonwealth Deputy CMO, Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Medical Director, an infection control expert, representatives of Federal, State and Territory Departments of Health, Sport and Recreation and relevant sports medical officers from the National Sporting Organisations, to closely monitor and report on any COVID-19 related issues or manifestations in the sector during the resumption phase, as well as any further and specific decisions about the resumption of sport – for a minimum of three months from commencement.
2020-05-01		Public health measures: Strengthening the public health system National Cabinet endorsed the draft ‘Code of Conduct on Pandemic Procedures’ for residential aged care.
2020-05-01		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures National cabinet has nominated July as the target for establishing a safe economy, with physical distancing and hygiene to remain crucial. Safe Work Australia has developed a website with guidelines and information across 23 industries so that businesses can return to work in a COVID safe environment.
2020-04-30		Movement restrictions: Visa restrictions International students working in aged care, as nurses and in supermarkets have had student hours extended to support these critical sectors. From 1 May, their hours will return to the maximum 40 hours a fortnight as more Australians are being recruited into these roles.
2020-04-29		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings No more than two people should be out in public together, with the exception of family and household groups.
2020-04-28		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Western Australian public and private hospitals will resume a quarter of their usual elective surgery activity from Tuesday (April 28).
2020-04-27		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Based on health advice, from 27 April 2020, indoor and outdoor non-work gatherings of up to 10 people are now allowed at: weddings and funerals outdoor personal training (no shared equipment) home opens and display village inspections. If a single household has more than 10 people, that household remains exempt from this new rule.
2020-04-27		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies Some recreational activities allowed again (no more than 10 people) The government has also announced a range of non-contact recreational activities will be allowed again. These include: A picnic in the park, barbeque, so long as there’s space for 4 square metres per person; Soccer at the park with your friends, so long as there’s no contact; You can go fishing or play tennis or golf; You can pack the tent and go camping - but campsites are only open to those with no other accommodation options; bushwalk or hike; sailing
2020-04-27		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings indoor and outdoor non-work gatherings of up to 10 people are now allowed at: weddings and funerals, outdoor personal training (no shared equipment); home opens and display village inspections
2020-04-27		Public health measures: Awareness campaigns Western Australians reminded to book a flu vaccination over the coming weeks to protect themselves and others from becoming unwell.
2020-04-27		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures Coronavirus Supplement is a $550 per fortnight top-up payment for people on welfare. Payments will begin on April 27 and will be available for at least six months.
2020-04-27		Public health measures: Other public health measures enforced from 27 April 2020, category 2 and some important category 3 procedures can recommence across the public and private hospital sectors. Including: IVF, Screening programs (cancer and other diseases), Post cancer reconstruction procedures (such as breast reconstruction), Procedures for children under 18 years of age. Joint replacements (incl knees, hips, shoulders), Cataracts and eye procedures, Endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures
2020-04-27		Public health measures: Other public health measures enforced dentists move to level 2 restrictions (such as fitting dentures, braces, non-high speed drill fillings and basic fillings), allowing a broader range of dental interventions to occur where the risk of transmission can be managed and PPE stocks procured by the private sector.
2020-04-26		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures A $16.8 million rescue package for the arts sector was announced by the Victorian Government in a bid to save hundreds of jobs. Arts Minister Martin Foley said the $16.8 million would be spent supporting 100 non-government creative organisations and people to keep them employed, because many are not covered by the Federal Government’s JobKeeper scheme.
2020-04-26		Social distancing: Schools closure  We will only transition back to face-to-face teaching for all students when that is the advice of the Victorian Chief Health Officer,
2020-04-26		Movement restrictions: Surveillance and monitoring COVIDSafe app released. The COVIDSafe app speeds up contacting people exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19). This helps us support and protect you, your friends and family.
2020-04-24		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings The Restricted activity directions (No 5) come into force at midnight on 24 April 2020 and replace the Restricted activity directions (No 4)
2020-04-24		Public health measures: Other public health measures enforced National Cabinet agreed the ‘National COVID-19 Safe Workplace Principles’
2020-04-24		Public health measures: General recommendations Wearing of face masks by the general population is not currently recommended. Should significant community transmission in Australia occur, mask wearing in public is an available option.
2020-04-23		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures All mutual obligation requirements have been lifted up to and including Friday 22 May 2020. That means no compulsory appointments, job search effort or Work for the Dole. Your payment will not go on hold during this time, and you won’t get demerits for not meeting a requirement.
2020-04-21		Public health measures: Strengthening the public health system PPE stocks and other equipment such as ventilators are now largely sufficient to meet expected demand for Australia’s COVID19 response through to December 2020, with current social distancing and travel restriction measures in place.
2020-04-21		Public health measures: Awareness campaigns Stop it’: Scott Morrison calls for an end to coronavirus-related racism
2020-04-21		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures Virgin Australia went into external administration after being crushed by a $4.8bn debt mountain and failing to secure a federal government bailout.
2020-04-20		Public health measures: Psychological assistance and medical social work From 20 April, an essential shopping and delivery service called Cahoots Connects will be provided to support individuals isolated in their homes.
2020-04-18		Public health measures: Strengthening the public health system 58 million face masks arrive to protect health workers from COVID-19
2020-04-18		Public health measures: General recommendations visits to aged care facilities: visits should be limited to a short duration, a maximum of two visitors at one time per day, and conducted in line with social distancing practices. This is designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 in residential aged care facilities.
2020-04-18		Public health measures: Awareness campaigns increase in COVID-19 themed cyber activity designed to either install software or steal personal information and banking details.
2020-04-16		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures Federal Government guarantees domestic aviation network
2020-04-16		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings National Cabinet re-emphasised that the one person per four square metres rule does not apply in school classrooms.
2020-04-14		Public health measures: Strengthening the public health system Aust Govt will provide a further $3 million to support frontline health workers with training and information which will support the treatment of patients with coronavirus.
2020-04-14		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures Joint Ministerial Statement affirming commitment to ensuring supply chain connectivity amidst the COVID-19 situation
2020-04-14		Public health measures: Testing policy Anyone with flu symptoms in outbreak centres including Sydney’s inner west, Waverley, Woollahra, Randwick, Ryde, Penrith, Liverpool, Blacktown, Cumberland and Westmead can be tested
2020-04-14		Public health measures: Testing policy Victoria expands coronavirus testing criteria to be ’widest in Australia’
2020-04-14		Public health measures: Strengthening the public health system The recruitment of 120 paramedics which was due to take place next financial year was being brought forward. "They will be recruited by Ambulance Victoria in May and June to enable 120 paramedics to be added to the workforce," she said.
2020-04-13		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures NSW announces $440 million coronavirus rent relief package
2020-04-13		Socio-economic measures: Military deployment Tasmania calls in ADF medics as coronavirus tally hits 150
2020-04-13		Public health measures: Strengthening the public health system Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has announced an additional $3 million to aid research institutes in the fight against coronavirus.
2020-04-12		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures A new Higher Education Relief Package will support workers who have been displaced as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and who are looking to upskill or retrain. It will also provide funding certainty to higher education providers
2020-04-12		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures Universities to cut prices on courses to help re-skill workers after coronavirus
2020-04-12		Public health measures: Psychological assistance and medical social work Vic Premier unveiled a $60 million package to support mental health services.
2020-04-12		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies Tasmania closes two hospitals to ’stamp out’ coronavirus outbreak in the north-west
2020-04-12		Socio-economic measures: State of emergency declared Victorian state of emergency extended for another month as new coronavirus cases decline
2020-04-12		Socio-economic measures: State of emergency declared A State of Emergency has been declared in Victoria from 16 March 2020 and extended until 11 May 2020 to manage coronavirus
2020-04-11		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures The Morrison government has pledged an immediate $100 million funding injection to more than 300 charities and community organisations faced with the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus.
2020-04-11		Movement restrictions: Surveillance and monitoring This week, WA Police were provided expanded security powers inc 200 electronic ankle bracelets with GPS tracking capability, at a cost of $3 million, for monitoring people breaking quarantine. These expanded powers include allowing authorities to issue directions to a ’class’ or group of people, rather than an individual; as well as impose penalties of $12,000 fines and 12 months of imprisonment for non-compliance.
2020-04-10		Public health measures: Strengthening the public health system Recently retired medical staff sought in South Australia’s health recruitment drive to fight coronavirus. Doctors, physiotherapists and social workers are being sought for seasonal, casual, fixed term and full time roles. SA is also seeking additional occupational therapists, speech pathologists, podiatrists, dietitians, medical imaging professionals, medical scientists, and allied health assistants and laboratory technicians.
2020-04-10		Public health measures: Strengthening the public health system Homeless get access to Victorian aged-care facilities to recover from coronavirus
2020-04-09		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures NSW Government would provide free pre-school for the next six months at a cost of around $50 million.
2020-04-09		Public health measures: Testing policy anyone with a fever or respiratory symptoms such as a cough, sore throat or shortness of breath has been urged to get tested, regardless of their recent travel history. From later this week, testing will also be available at private pathology centres in the Perth and Peel regions.
2020-04-09		Movement restrictions: Border closure  Transit passengers: If you are a New Zealander, citizen of a Pacific Island Forum country, Timor Leste citizen or resident of New Caledonia or French Polynesia transiting through Australia on your way to New Zealand or a Pacific Island Forum Country, you do not require a transit exemption if you have booked a connecting flight to depart Australia within 72 hours of your arriving flight. All other passengers will need to seek an exemption to be allowed to transit through Australia.
2020-04-09		Movement restrictions: Border closure  Transit passengers: Due to domestic travel restrictions, the outbound connecting flight must be departing from the same state or territory of Australia as your arrival flight. If your connecting flight means you will spend longer than 72 hours in Australia, you are not considered to be transiting and will need to apply online to the Commissioner of the ABF for an exemption from the travel restrictions.
2020-04-09		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions Virgin Australia is suspending all its domestic flights except for a single Sydney to Melbourne return service, which will run once per day, except for Saturdays.
2020-04-09		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions NSW Police to launch criminal investigation into Ruby Princess saga as deaths linked to ship grow. Strikeforce Bast is investigating whether the ship’s operator downplayed the number of potential coronavirus cases on board before 2,700 passengers disembarked at Circular Quay.
2020-04-08		Public health measures: Awareness campaigns NSW introduces fines of $5,000 for people spitting and coughing on frontline coronavirus workers
2020-04-08		Public health measures: Awareness campaigns People who deliberately try to spread the coronavirus to Australia’s healthcare workers could spend life in prison, the federal government has warned.
2020-04-08		Movement restrictions: Surveillance and monitoring WA Govt unveiled plans to add an extra 285 officers to help police the state’s COVID-19 response. An extra 150 officers would be recruited immediately, while another 135 currently in the WA Police Academy would have their graduation fast-tracked. As part of a $91 million package for WA Police, 200 electronic tracking bracelets have been purchased to help enforce quarantine and an extra 100 number plate recognition cameras have been secured.
2020-04-08		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures NT Government announces $180 million coronavirus rescue package for Territory businesses
2020-04-07		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures Australian charities have welcomed the relaxed eligibility requirements for charity workers to qualify for the JobKeeper coronavirus wage scheme. Not-for-profit charities can now apply for the JobKeeper benefit if they’ve suffered a 15 per cent hit to revenue because of the coronavirus pandemic.
2020-04-07		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures The National Cabinet has agreed that states and territories will implement a mandatory Code of Conduct for commercial tenancies
2020-04-07		Social distancing: Schools closure  Year 12 students will graduate with ATAR despite coronavirus disruption to schools, Education Minister Dan Tehan says
2020-04-07		Public health measures: Awareness campaigns "Stay at home over Easter," PM Scott Morrison said
2020-04-06		Public health measures: Strengthening the public health system More than 40,000 retired health professionals to be reinstated in fight against coronavirus
2020-04-05		Movement restrictions: Border closure  A hard" border closure is in effect in Western Australia from 11.59pm local time on April 5, The only people who can enter the state must have an exemption.
2020-04-05		Movement restrictions: Border closure  The WA Government will introduce a "temporary closure" of its interstate border effective from midnight on Sunday. "In effect we’ll be turning Western Australia into an island within an island - our own country."
2020-04-04		Movement restrictions: Visa restrictions Visitor visa holders: International tourists should return to their home country as quickly as possible, particularly those without family support.
2020-04-04		Movement restrictions: Visa restrictions Intl student visas: International students are able to work up to 40 hours per fortnight. Students are encouraged to rely on family support, part-time work where available and their own savings to sustain themselves in Australia.
2020-04-04		Movement restrictions: Visa restrictions New Zealanders on 444 visas - New Zealanders who are on 444 visas and arrived before 26 February 2001 will have access to welfare payments and the JobKeeper payment. 444 visa holders who arrived after 2001 have access to the JobKeeper payment. Those who have lived in Australia for 10 years or more have access to JobSeeker payments for six months. New Zealanders should consider returning to New Zealand if they are unable to support themselves through these provisions, work or family support.
2020-04-04		Movement restrictions: Visa restrictions Temporary Skilled visa holders - Those visa holders who have been laid off due to coronavirus should leave the country in line with existing visa conditions if they are unable to secure a new sponsor. However, should a 4-year visa holder be re-employed after the coronavirus pandemic, their time already spent in Australia will count towards their permanent residency skilled work experience requirements.
2020-04-04		Movement restrictions: Visa restrictions Working holiday makers supporting critical sectors - To support the critical sectors of heath, aged and disability care, agriculture and food processing, and childcare, WHM working in these critical sectors will be exempt from the six month work limitation with the one employer and eligible for a further visa to keep working in these critical sectors if their current visa is due to expire in the next six months. In general, working holiday makers that do not have the confidence to sustain themselves over the next six months should make arrangements to leave the country.
2020-04-04		Movement restrictions: Visa restrictions Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme workers can extend their stay for up to 12 months to work for approved employers (ensuring pastoral care and accommodation needs of workers are met to minimise health risks to visa holders and the community).
2020-04-03		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures The Government has launched a new Jobs Hub to help Australians find work during the Coronavirus pandemic, advertising the latest vacancies from businesses across Australia.
2020-04-03		Public health measures: Awareness campaigns During the Easter period, places of worship must remain closed to the public. Services will be streamed and only clergy and those formally involved in services or streaming are permitted to attend.
2020-04-02		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures Registrations are open for small businesses, and other eligible employers, to apply for a 50 per cent wage subsidy of their apprentice’s or trainee’s wage from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020.
2020-04-02		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures Evictions will be put on hold for 6 months by the states and territories.
2020-04-02		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Public gatherings, excluding household members, have been reduced to a maximum of two people.
2020-04-02		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies NSW Police say the state’s coronavirus isolation rules will last for at least 90 days.
2020-04-02		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures The Government has announced the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package that gives families fee relief while supporting child care services to keep their doors open and employees in their jobs. Childcare for workers in essential jobs will be free, the Federal Government has announced.
2020-04-01		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions The WA Premier has restricted movement between regions in WA. Fines of up to $50,000 could be issued if people ignore the rules. Exemptions exist for essential travel and on compassionate grounds Beginning at midnight on Tuesday, Mr McGowan said only essential travel would be allowed between regions. All other travel would be restricted between WA’s regions, which include Perth/Peel and the country regions of the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Mid West, Wheatbelt, Goldfields-Esperance, South West, and Great Southern.
2020-03-31		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures New Zealanders in Australia eligible to access $130 billion wage subsidy scheme. New Zealand citizens at risk of losing their job in Australia will be eligible to access the government’s $130 billion wage subsidy scheme during the coronavirus crisis despite being ineligible for unemployment benefits.
2020-03-31		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures The Government has announced a $130 billion JobKeeper Payment to keep more Australians in jobs and support businesses affected by the Coronavirus.
2020-03-31		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Meals will be delivered to elderly Australians to help them stay at home, thanks to nearly $60 million in federal government funding amid the coronavirus pandemic.
2020-03-29		Public health measures: Strengthening the public health system State and territory governments committed to urgently finalise arrangements with private hospitals under the COVID-19 National Partnership Agreement by 29 March 2020, to ensure sufficient and viable capacity exists within the private hospital sector both through the COVID-19 response and on an ongoing basis in supporting the acute and intensive care needs of infected Australians together with other continuing urgent care needs. The capacity of the private system for non COVID cases and for overflow, particularly from ICU facilities, may be critical to Australia’s response.
2020-03-29		Public health measures: Awareness campaigns National Cabinet welcomed the new coronavirus app and WhatsApp channel that were released today by the Commonwealth Government. The app is now available on Apple and Android devices. The WhatsApp channel can be accessed by entering aus.gov.au/whatsapp into your internet browser.
2020-03-29		Public health measures: Awareness campaigns Awareness & info portals inc the official government "Coronavirus Australia" app in the Apple App Store or Google Play, or join our WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android.
2020-03-29		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures $1.1 billion to support more mental health, Medicare and domestic violence services
2020-03-29		Lockdown: Partial lockdown Australia goes into level 3 shutdown: Everyone should stay home unless you are: shopping for essentials, receiving medical care, exercising or travelling to work or education
2020-03-28		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies Australians returning home will not be allowed to complete the mandatory 14-day self-isolation period at home, but will instead be taken straight to a state-run quarantine centre in whichever state their international flight arrives. "Each person will also receive self-isolation care packages of food and other essentials."
2020-03-28		Movement restrictions: Surveillance and monitoring ADF personnel will bolster local police efforts in visiting the homes and residences of Australians who are in mandatory isolation as directed by state and territory governments and will report to the local police whether the identified individual was at the residence.
2020-03-27		Socio-economic measures: Emergency administrative structures activated or established Aust Defense Force (ADF) assistance will be provided under the Defence Assistance to the Civil Community arrangements. These new requirements will build on the existing support the Australian Defence Force is providing to the COVID-19 response, including:Assistance to the states and territories to support contact tracing efforts.Supporting industry with the production of surgical masks.Provision of planning and logistics support to Commonwealth, state and territory agencies.Provision of personnel to other agencies, including Services Australia.Supporting the NT Police with border control operations.Assisting states and territories to support the production of food hampers to supply to isolated civilians.
2020-03-27		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions Grey Nomads and other interstate travellers should return to and stay at home.
2020-03-27		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies any non-essential travellers from mainland Tasmania who fly into King or Flinders Island must go into 14 days isolation
2020-03-27		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Tasmania’s Premier has warned the public they face fines of up to $16,800 if they gather in groups larger than 10 people in public or private from 6:00pm on Friday night, as part of the tightening of measures to address the coronavirus pandemic.
2020-03-26		Public health measures: Awareness campaigns Language barriers in parts of the Northern Territory are being broken down so all Australians can access important messaging about the coronavirus pandemic.
2020-03-26		Public health measures: Testing policy Australia is set to receive a shipment of 1.5 million "finger-prick" or "point-of-care" coronavirus testing kits "within days", according to the office of the Chief Medical Officer. Mr Hunt said the tests had only been recently approved for use by the health department, and that the finger-prick tests would be carried out by doctors and nurses in a general-practice setting. The criteria for who can get tested was expanded on Wednesday, and it’s possible the criteria will change further following the delivery of the new kits.
2020-03-26		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures Big 4 banks allowing mortgage payments to be placed on hold but will capitalise interest
2020-03-25		Movement restrictions: International flights suspension All Australians will be barred from leaving the country to travel overseas, with small exceptions for some aid workers and vital government duties.
2020-03-25		Public health measures: Psychological assistance and medical social work Mental health services have experienced a rise in demand as Australians seek help during the coronavirus pandemic, with Lifeline preparing for a 25 per cent increase in contacts over the coming weeks and months. Kids Helpline has recorded an additional 1519 phone, webchat and email contact attempts in the last fortnight compared with the previous two weeks, with 461 involving mention of COVID-19.
2020-03-25		Public health measures: Psychological assistance and medical social work For patients and practitioners who are self-isolating or at high risk of COVID-19, Telehealth services are being offered. ‘Telehealth’ lets practitioners offer their services via different technologies such as Skype, phone calls, Zoom video conferencing and more.
2020-03-25		Public health measures: Testing policy PM Scott Morrison says the categories of people who can be tested has now been expanded beyond two core groups.
2020-03-25		Public health measures: Testing policy Australia’s deputy chief medical officer says authorities will soon announce recent overseas travel will no longer be a requirement to be tested for COVID-19.
2020-03-25		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Nail salons, libraries, public pools, galleries, museums, youth centres, community halls, clubs, RSLs and yoga studios forced to close. Shopping centres, hairdressers and fitness boot camps ok to stay open
2020-03-25		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Funerals will be limited to 10 people - who must stand 1.5 meters away from each other. Weddings can also go ahead, but with a maximum of five people: the couple, the celebrant and two guests.
2020-03-25		Public health measures: Strengthening the public health system Non-urgent elective surgeries in Australia’s public and private hospitals will be banned from midnight in a bid to preserve the healthcare system to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
2020-03-25		Public health measures: Strengthening the public health system doctors in specialist areas outside of critical care and the ICU are being told to be prepare for reassignment out of their normal areas in order to fight the virus in the coming months. This includes specialities such as physiotherapists being re-trained in critical care procedures and GPs being placed into special COVID-19 response teams.
2020-03-25		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions Anyone entering Queensland from the air or by road will be forced to isolate themselves for 14 days from Wednesday night 25 March
2020-03-24		Public health measures: General recommendations Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged Australians to stay home except for essential trips, ordering more businesses to close to stop people gathering. On Tuesday, Mr Morrison told Australians to only leave the house when "it is absolutely necessary you go out". He said Australians should continue working but it was "strongly encouraged to work from home".
2020-03-24		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions Travellers seeking entry into Tasmania face further restrictions with the government warning that those seeking to use the ferry service to enter the state will be turned away in most cases. Only essential travellers or Tasmanians returning home are allowed to use the TT-Line Bass Strait service, Premier Peter Gutwein announced on Tuesday.
2020-03-22		Public health measures: General recommendations PM urged Australians to cancel all non-essential domestic travel.
2020-03-22		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures Government’s new $66 billion coronavirus stimulus to provide relief for small business, casuals and welfare recipients
2020-03-22		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services Pubs, licensed clubs and hotels (excluding accommodation), places of worship, gyms, indoor sporting venues, cinemas, casinos to close from midday Monday, March 22 for at least 6 months
2020-03-22		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures The Government is allowing individuals "in financial stress" by the Coronavirus to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019-20 and a further $10,000 in 2020-21.
2020-03-22		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures The Government is guaranteeing unsecured small business loans up to $AU250,000 for lenders providing credit to existing small business customers. This reform will help small businesses get access to credit quickly and efficiently.
2020-03-22		Social distancing: Closure of businesses and public services All non-essential services in New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory will be shut down over the next two days excluding supermarkets, petrol stations, pharmacies, convenience stores, freight and logistics, and home delivery.
2020-03-22		Movement restrictions: Domestic travel restrictions South Australia and Western Australia will effectively close their borders on March 24 at 4pm anyone entering the state would be subject to a mandatory 14-day isolation period. Essential services, including the supply of food would not be affected. Tasmania and the Northern Territory already have such restrictions in place.
2020-03-22		Social distancing: Schools closure  In Victoria, school holidays will also be brought forward to enable schools to close from Tuesday. Schools in Canberra will be open on Monday but move to online learning from Tuesday.
2020-03-22		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings No non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people outside or more than 100 people inside. All non-essential indoor gatherings of less than 100 people must have no more than one person per 4sqm. All Australians should expect their local businesses to be following this rule.
2020-03-20		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies All travellers to Australia are required to self-isolate for 14 days, either at home or in a hotel.
2020-03-20		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Australian authorities closed Bondi beach and removed hundreds of people from other popular Sydney beaches on Saturday, citing the "irresponsible behaviour" of large crowds that had gathered in clear defiance of public health warnings of gatherings over 500 people.
2020-03-20		Public health measures: Awareness campaigns A national campaign has launched to inform all Australians about the coronavirus (COVID-19).
2020-03-20		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures Additional funding of $444.6 million to strengthen the aged care industry, with specific mechanisms to reinforce the aged care workforce.
2020-03-20		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures Australian banks to defer loan repayments for small businesses affected by COVID-19 by 6 months.
2020-03-20		Socio-economic measures: Emergency administrative structures activated or established Under the Commonwealth Biosecurity Act 2015 states and territories will nominate remote Indigenous areas in consultation with Indigenous communities, and an emergency requirement determined under the Biosecurity Act 2015 will restrict persons from entering or leaving those nominated areas.
2020-03-20		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Non-essential indoor gatherings of fewer than 100 people permitted if in a given occupied space, there must be a density of no more than one person per four square metres of floor space. The 4 square metre arrangements for venues will come into effect from 20 March 2020 and will be mandated through state and territory regulatory arrangements.
2020-03-20		Social distancing: Changes in prison-related policies State and Territory leaders agreed that from 20 March 2020 each State’s and Territory’s adult correctional system will restructure personal prison visits to help manage the risk posed to prisoners and staff by the introduction of COVID-19 into custodial facilities. Depending on their operational needs, this may include stopping visits in some jurisdictions
2020-03-20		Movement restrictions: Border closure  From 9pm AEDT 20 March 2020, our borders are closed except for Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members. Arrivals must self isolate for 14 days
2020-03-18		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies From 1 May 2020, you must have had your influenza vaccination to visit an aged care facility.
2020-03-17		Public health measures: Awareness campaigns Subscription service available for COVID-19 newsletter for GPs
2020-03-15		Socio-economic measures: Emergency administrative structures activated or established Last month, Australia’s competition watchdog flipped a key rule of consumer law in response to the coronavirus pandemic, allowing supermarkets to work together to ensure shoppers can get food at a fair price. Usually supermarkets and suppliers working together in the market would be dubbed collusion, and would be punishable by huge fines from the competition regulator.
2020-03-13		Social distancing: Limit public gatherings Mass gatherings of more than 500 banned
2020-03-12		Public health measures: Strengthening the public health system Additional masks and funding
2020-03-01		Socio-economic measures: Economic measures Implementation of an economic response to the coronavirus totalling $17.6 billion across the forward estimates.
2020-03-01		Movement restrictions: Visa restrictions Citizens from China, Italy, South Korea, Iran, Cruise Ship are not allowed to enter country for 14 days from when they left said country.
2020-03-01		Public health measures: Isolation and quarantine policies 14 days self-quarantine, for nationals arriving from China, Italy, Iran or South Korea
2020-02-17		Socio-economic measures: Emergency administrative structures activated or established Australian Health Sector Emergency Plan Activated