Monday, 23 March 2020
Many people are contacting Amanda’s office for information about Coronavirus, which is why we have put together this information to ensure ease of access.
Please read through the links carefully, and use this as a resource to access further updates from relevant Departments.
The information is changing rapidly, so please continue to revisit these sites.
If you have any queries or concerns about your situation, please seek advice from the experts through the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
Ensure you get the most up to date information through the Department of Health.
For updates on the Coronavirus health alerts, information about how the Government is monitoring and responding to the outbreak and how you can help slow the spread in Australia, please ensure you seek the latest official medical advice.
The Department of Health have provided a fact sheet to assist Australians to get up to date information, including those who do not have access to the internet.
Information for the Health & Aged Care sector
The Department of Health have also put together information for the health and aged care sector.
Information for Schools, Child Care, Students & Parents
The Department of Health have also put together information for schools, child care centres, students and parents.
Ensure you are getting the most up to date Information through the Department of Treasury
The Department of Treasury have up to date information about the economic response to Corinavirus which at the time of writing includes:
Assistance to severely affected regions
Support Services for Employees and Income Support Recipients
The Department of Social Services provide updates for people receiving income support, or need to access support as they are unable to perform their normal duties or requirements due to isolation.
Stimulus Payments to Households
The Federal Government have provided a fact sheet about stimulus payments to households – the first to be paid in April, the second in July.
JobSeeker Payment & Coronavirus Supplement
A temporary increase to the Job Seeker Payment (which includes the former Newstart Allowance) through a $550 per fortnight Coronavirus Supplement – starting on 27 April, for six months.
Please note no changes are proposed for the Job Seeker Payment income test.
This means the singles with an income above $542 per week, or couples with an income above $993.50 per week, will not be eligible for any payments, even if a member of a couple has lost their job, or a person’s hours have been substantially reduced.
Support for Business Investment & Cash Flow Assistance for Employers
Measures to support Business and Employers, and in turn employees have been announced by the Federal Government.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) have information about eligibility for these measures.
International Travel
As of 18 March 2020, the Government advised all Australians not to travel at this time. The Government recommended Australians abroad return as soon as possible by commercial means.
Interstate Travel
The Government has urged Australians to limit unnecessary domestic travel, with some states having announced mandatory self-isolation when entering the border.
More information to come.
Food & Essential Items
The above Fact Sheet for Self Isolation & Qarantine Advice includes contact details for social support (including help arranging groceries and medicine) for people in quarantine who have recently returned to Australia – please note to access this support you will need to provide information about your flights to return to Australia.
Other support services include:
Mental Health, Isolation & Loneliness Support
