Media Release by Senator the Hon Anne Ruston

Supporting Greater Brisbane through COVID-19

Joint Media Release with:

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

The Australian Government will lift mutual obligation requirements for job seekers in Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, Moreton Bay and Brisbane Local Government Areas from today 29 March 2021 to Tuesday 6 April 2021 inclusive.

This follows an announcement by the Queensland Government that Greater Brisbane is under a snap three-day lockdown from 5pm today to curb a COVID-19 outbreak in the area.

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 Australian Government will continue to closely monitor the situation in Greater Brisbane.

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