Coronavirus (COVID‑19)

Essential information

Updated (AEST): 11:45AM AEST on Wednesday 3 June 2020

• Mutual obligation requirements for job seekers will recommence, in a limited capacity, from Tuesday 9 June 2020. During this period, suspensions and financial penalties will not apply. 
• The Australian Government has announced $131.4 billion in additional public hospital funding over the next five years as part of a new National Health Reform Agreement. The agreement guarantees no state or territory will be worse off as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic. Read more about the public hospital funding.
• Don't be fooled by the misinformation about cures and treatments for COVID-19 circulating on social media. Get your information from trusted sources. For myth-busting and accurate and up-to-date information on COVID-19 Australia, view our mythbusting page.
• 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. 
• Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing during coronavirus is important and support is available. For personal crisis and mental health support services you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1800 512 348 at any time. Go to the emergency support and assistance page for information about additional services that can help you.
• The COVIDSafe app speeds up contacting people exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19). This helps health officials support and protect you, your friends and family. The app is now available from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
• Financial assistance is available to support individuals, households and businesses. 
• Physical distancing measures are still in place across Australia. However, some states are revising restrictions on public gatherings. Check State and Territory websites for the rules where you live.