Media Release by Senator the Hon Anne Ruston

Suspension of mutual obligations requirements for Victoria

Joint Media Release with:

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

The Morrison Government has suspended mutual obligation requirements for job seekers and participants in Victoria following the announcement of a seven-day lockdown under COVID-19 hotspot arrangements.

The suspension of mutual obligation requirements will be enacted state-wide from today Thursday 27 May 2021 to Monday 7 June 2021 inclusive.

No job seeker or participant in Victoria 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.

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

Job seekers and participants 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.

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