Media Release by Senator the Hon Anne Ruston

Supporting Victoria through COVID-19

Joint Media Release with:

  • Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
    Minister for Employment, Skills and Family Business

The Morrison Government will lift mutual obligation requirements for job seekers in Victoria from today 12 February 2021 to Monday 22 February 2021 inclusive. 

This follows an announcement by the Victorian Government that the state of Victoria is under a five-day lockdown as a short, sharp circuit breaker to curb a COVID-19 outbreak in the state. 

No job seeker in the affected areas will face payment suspension or financial penalties for failing to meet their mutual obligation requirements such as not being able to attend appointments or activities. 

Job seekers are still being encouraged to remain connected to employment services to ensure they are supported to access the full range of assistance including mental health services, if required. 

These arrangements will apply to job seekers in jobactive, Online Employment Services, Disability Employment Services and participants in ParentsNext. 

The Morrison Government will continue to closely monitor the situation in Victoria. 

More information about mutual obligations requirements can be found at www.dese.gov.au/covid-19/job-seekers