Media Release by Senator the Hon Anne Ruston

Update on mutual obligations requirements in Victoria

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Stuart Robert MP
    Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business

The Morrison Government has extended the suspension of mutual obligation requirements for job seekers and participants in the Commonwealth COVID-19 hotspot declared region of Greater Melbourne, Victoria.

The suspension of mutual obligation requirements for Greater Melbourne will be in place until Tuesday, 15 June 2021 inclusive.

These arrangements will apply to job seekers in jobactive, Online Employment Services, Disability Employment Services and participants in ParentsNext who reside or are serviced in Greater Melbourne.

Job seekers and participants in Greater Melbourne will not face payment suspension or financial penalties for failing to meet their mutual obligation requirements.

Job seekers and participants in Greater Melbourne are still 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.

Special Circumstances Exemptions continue to be available through Services Australia for job seekers who require them.

Mutual obligation requirements will return for job seekers and participants in Regional Victoria from Tuesday, 8 June 2021.

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

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