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COVID-19 — Q & A

THURSDAY 16 APRIL 2020

KEY POINTS

SITUATION AT A GLANCE

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

When should I isolate?

What does self-isolation mean?

When should I get tested, how do I get tested and where do I seek advice?

Expansion of coronavirus testing criteria

How can people avoid contracting COVID-19 and infecting others?

How can I access up to date Government information on coronavirus?

PUBLIC GATHERINGS

What is the Government’s advice on indoor and outdoor public gatherings?

How will this be implemented?

State and Territory measures

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

Western Australia

What are the considerations for religious services?

What is the latest advice for senior Australians?

Should people avoid busy shopping centres?

Will domestic ANZAC Day commemorative services be cancelled?

When will the COVID-19 advice be lifted?

Will Australian cities be locked down?

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS, TRAVEL ADVICE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Ban on Australians Travelling Overseas

How long will travel restrictions and quarantine requirements last?

How are you ensuring that international travellers will self-isolate?

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What is the penalty for not self-isolating?

Should people avoid domestic flights?

Why is DFAT advising Australians not to travel overseas?

How is the Government assisting Australians overseas who want to return home?

Should Australians attend ANZAC day services overseas?

HEALTH RESPONSE

How is the Government ensuring Australia’s health system is ready to respond to COVID-19?

How is the Government working with private hospitals to ensure resources are available?

● On 31 March, the Australian Government announced it will partner with the private hospital sector to ensure the full resources of our world-class health system are ready and focused on treating patients as required through the coronavirus pandemic.

How is the Government providing support to Australians to access health services from home?

What is the Government response on elective surgeries?

What is the Government doing to support more mental health services for all Australians?

What relief services are being provided for vulnerable Australians?

What support is the Government providing to people experiencing domestic violence?

What is the Government doing to support states and territories to ensure they have the resources to respond to the health impacts?

How are private health insurers providing financial relief to people affected by coronavirus?

What happens now a pandemic is declared?

How far away is a vaccine for COVID-19?

What is the Government doing to secure vital Personal Protective Equipment for frontline medical personnel?

How does COVID-19 compare with the flu and other viruses?

How is the Government ensuring medical practitioners and the broader community can access reliable information on COVID-19?

What is the Government doing to ensure access to medicines?

ECONOMIC IMPACTS

What is the Government doing about the economic impacts of COVID-19?

How is the Government supporting workers and households?

What other measures is the Government assisting businesses to keep people in a job?

How is the Government providing regulatory protection and financial support for businesses to stay in business?

What is the Government doing to relieve pressure on commercial tenants?

What assistance is being offered to residential tenants?

What assistance is being offered to severely-affected regions?

What is in the Aviation package?

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THE BUDGET

Why has the Government made the decision to delay the Federal Budget?

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

How is the Government supporting employers and employees to deal with the impacts of COVID-19?

What is the Government doing to support temporary visa holders?

JOBSEEKERS AND GOVERNMENT ALLOWANCES

What is the Government doing to support job seekers who may be subject to self-isolation?

AUSTRALIANS OVERSEAS

What is the Government doing to support Australians stranded overseas due to the COVID-19 outbreak?

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS

What is the Government doing to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians from COVID-19?

AGED CARE

How are we protecting aged care residents from COVID-19?

What are the restrictions on entry to aged care facilities?

What are the restrictions on visitors?

How can aged care facilities manage illness in visitors and staff?

What measures should be taken for symptomatic staff?

How will the Government relax international student nurse visa work conditions?

LAWS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

Can the Government restrict the movement of people to contain the spread of COVID-19?

What is involved in a Human Biosecurity Emergency?

EDUCATION SECTOR

Will schools be closed?

How is the Government ensuring child care is available to families with parents at work?

What do I do if I have already removed my child from child care?

What is the health advice on child care and early learning centres?

Will universities and other higher education facilities be closed?

How is the Government supporting higher education?

How is the Government supporting Australian students?

What is the Government doing to limit the impacts on the education sector?

TOURISM AND TRADE

What is the Government doing to reduce the impact on the tourism sector?

How is the Government providing assistance to exporters?

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AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY

What is the Government doing to reduce the impact on the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors?

What changes are being made to support the agricultural workforce?

How are agricultural, fishery and forestry industries being engaged?

What is the Government doing to support agricultural exporters?

ENERGY AND UTILITIES

What is the Government doing to help Australians in hardship pay their energy and utility bills?

How is the Government ensuring fuel security?

DEFENCE & ADF CONTRIBUTION

How is the ADF supporting domestic production?

OTHER ISSUES

Temporary changes to the foreign investment review framework

Recommendation on bulk purchase of supplies

Action to prevent price gouging and exportation of critical sanitary and medical products

Correctional Facilities

Telecommunications

Cybersecurity

KEY POINTS

● The Government is focused on slowing the spread of coronavirus to save lives and livelihoods – and every Australian has a part to play.

● The Government is listening to the medical experts, and working hand in hand with states and territories through the National Cabinet to coordinate actions.

● To slow the outbreak, Australia is now taking additional steps to reduce community transmission.

● In particular, we must ensure our health system can care for the most vulnerable, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

● This crisis is expected to last at least six months – we need all Australians and businesses to respect and follow the social distancing measures endorsed by the National Cabinet and implemented by the states and territories. It is a matter of civic duty. These social distancing measures will slow the spread of the virus and save lives.

● Australians should stay at home this Easter and not undertake unnecessary holiday travel.

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● On 29 March, the National Cabinet agreed to limit both indoor and outdoor gatherings to two persons only effective from midnight 30 March. Exceptions to this limit include:

○ People of the same household going out together;

○ Funerals - a maximum of 10 people;

○ Wedding - a maximum of 5 people;

○ Family units.

● National Cabinet’s strong guidance to all Australians is to stay home unless for:

○ shopping for what you need - food and necessary supplies;

○ medical or health care needs, including compassionate requirements;

○ exercise in compliance with the public gathering requirements;

○ work and study if you can’t work or learn remotely.

● National Cabinet agreed that playgrounds, skate parks and outside gyms in public places will be closed. Bootcamps will be reduced to two persons, including the trainer.

● These restrictions are in addition to the existing limitations on non-essential gatherings:

o The following facilities are restricted from opening, effective midday 23 March 2020: pubs, registered and licensed clubs (excluding bottle shops at these venues), hotels (excluding accommodation), gyms, cinemas, night clubs, restaurants and cafes (restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery) and religious gatherings.

● A number of further facilities are restricted, effective 11.59pm AEDT 25 March 2020. Please click for the full list.

o Where possible, people must keep 1.5 metres between yourself and others.

o People must avoid non-essential travel.

o To protect older Australians, new restrictions on entering aged care homes.

o People who have returned from overseas must self isolate at home for 14 days.

● We have unveiled a comprehensive $2.4 billion health package to ensure our world-class health system is well prepared and has the resources to fight COVID-19 and protect Australians.

● To deal with the significant economic impacts, we are investing over $320 billion to keep Australians in jobs, keep businesses in business, support households and keep investment flowing.

● Australians can be confident that our nation is one of the best prepared to respond to the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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SITUATION AT A GLANCE

As at 7.00am AEDT, 16 April 2020, a total of 2,034,425 cases of COVID-19 had been reported in 216 countries and regions, including 133,354 deaths. In Australia more than 374,000 people have been tested for COVID-19. There are 6,458 confirmed cases in Australia, including 63 deaths.

Travel bans apply to all foreign nationals from 9pm AEDT 20 March 2020. A ‘do not travel’ ban has been implemented for Australians travelling overseas. From 28 March, all travellers returning to Australia will be quarantined for 14 days at designated facilities (for example, a hotel) in the city where their international flight lands. Strict social distancing measures are in place for mass gatherings including closure of restaurants, pubs, gyms and religious gatherings.

More detailed information on all measures and regular updates can be found at https://www.australia.gov.au/, https://www.health.gov.au/, or by calling the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.

Australians are also encouraged to download the Australian Government’s Coronavirus App and WhatsApp information service.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE ● We have acted early and are now focused on slowing the spread and flattening the

peak.

● The Health National Incident Room was activated in January and is coordinating the Australian Government health response with the states and territories.

● On 21 January, ‘human coronavirus with pandemic potential’ was added as a Listed Human Disease under the Biosecurity Act 2015, enabling the use of enhanced border measures.

● We are ensuring a consistent national approach:

o On 27 February, we endorsed the Emergency Response Plan for Communicable Disease Incidents of National Significance: National Arrangements. This sets out the non-health sector response.

o On 27 February, we also fast-tracked the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus, outlining how our health sector will respond to a COVID-19 outbreak in Australia.

o On 5 March, we commissioned the National Coordination Mechanism to coordinate activities across state and territory jurisdictions and industry, bringing a consistent national approach to providing essential services across a range of critical sectors and supply chains.

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o On 25 March, we established the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission. The NCCC will coordinate advice to the Government on actions to anticipate and mitigate the economic and social effects of the global pandemic.The NCCC will be led by Mr Neville Power and an Executive Board of Commissioners.

● On 18 March, the Governor-General accepted the Commonwealth’s advice to declare a ‘human biosecurity emergency’ under the Biosecurity Act – allowing targeted, legally-enforceable directions to combat COVID-19.

● National Cabinet, including the Prime Minister and Premiers and Chief Ministers of all states and territories, are meeting at least twice a week to coordinate the response.

PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

● Fever is the most consistent symptom (although some cases have not reported fever).

● Other symptoms include breathing difficulty, coughing, fatigue and a sore throat.

● Based on available data, symptomatic cases are the main driver of transmission.

When should I isolate?

● The following self-isolation requirements apply:

o Every Australian returning to Australia from overseas must self-isolate. Since midnight, Saturday 28 March 2020, all travellers arriving in Australia have had to undertake their mandatory 14 day self-isolation at designated facilities.

o If you have had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, you must self-isolate for 14 days from the date of that last contact.

● The people living with you do not need to be isolated unless they meet one of the isolation criteria.

o If you develop symptoms and are suspected of having contracted COVID-19, those living with you will be classified as close contacts and must be isolated.

What does self-isolation mean?

● If you are required to self-isolate, you must stay at home or in your hotel and not go to public places including work, school, childcare, university or public gatherings.

● Only people who usually live with you should be in the home and you should not see visitors.

● If you are in a hotel, you should avoid contact with other guests or staff.

● If you are well, there is no need to wear a surgical mask at home.

● If you must leave home, such as to seek medical care, you should wear a surgical mask.

● If you don’t have a mask, take care to not cough or sneeze on others.

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When should I get tested, how do I get tested and where do I seek advice?

● When isolated, monitor yourself for symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, body aches, sore throat, runny nose and muscle pain.

● If you develop symptoms within 14 days of isolation, arrange to see your doctor for urgent assessment.

● You should telephone the health clinic or hospital before you arrive and inform them of your travel history or any suspected contact with a potential case of COVID-19.

● You must remain isolated either in your home or a healthcare setting until public health authorities declare it safe for you to return to usual activities.

Expansion of coronavirus testing criteria

● To further protect Australia, on 25 March 2020, National Cabinet agreed to an AHPPC recommendation to expand the current coronavirus testing regime to include testing people with fever or acute respiratory infection who come under the following criteria:

○ All health workers.

○ All aged/residential care workers.

○ Geographically localised areas where there is elevated risk of community transmission as defined by the local public health unit.

○ Where no community transmission is occurring, high-risk settings where there are two or more plausibly-linked cases, for example:

■ Aged and residential care. ■ Rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. ■ Detention centres/correctional facilities. ■ Boarding schools. ■ Military bases (including Navy ships) that have live-in accommodation.

● National Cabinet also agreed that testing would be expanded to include hospitalised patients with fever and acute respiratory symptoms of unknown cause, at the discretion of the treating clinician.

● These are the minimum criteria. States and territories have the discretion to expand their own testing criteria.

How can people avoid contracting COVID-19 and infecting others? ● By using a range of social distancing and hygiene measures.

● These include refraining from hand shakes and other close contact, and standing 1.5m from each other wherever possible.

● Good hand hygiene is most important:

o Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

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▪ If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60 per cent alcohol.

o Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

o Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.

o Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

o Stay home if you are sick and don’t expose others. If you are unwell with flu-like symptoms, do not go outside your property or home, do not go to work, school or shops unless it is essential.

o Get vaccinated for influenza this season. It is not yet known whether COVID-19 could significantly increase the risk of influenza infection.

How can I access up to date Government information on coronavirus?

● A new coronavirus app and WhatsApp channel has been released by the Commonwealth Government.

● The app is now available on apple and android devices. The WhatsApp channel can be reached by entering aus.gov.au/whatsapp in your internet browser.

● These new platforms provide a trusted source of information and advice on how Australians can protect themselves and others, current restrictions on social gatherings, how to access support and the latest data on Australian cases.

● The app also allows Australians to voluntarily register if they are self-isolating to provide governments with important information to protect public health and safety.

● To improve access to timely information on coronavirus, the Commonwealth Department of Health will release a national daily dashboard of data and key facts. The dashboard will shortly be available on www.health.gov.au.

PUBLIC GATHERINGS What is the Government’s advice on indoor and outdoor public gatherings?

● Commonwealth, state and territory governments have agreed as a National Cabinet to restrictions to stop the spread of coronavirus.

● On 29 March, National Cabinet agreed to limit both non-essential indoor and outdoor gatherings to two persons only.

● Exceptions to this limit include:

○ People of the same household going out together.

○ Funerals – a maximum of 10 people.

○ Weddings – a maximum of 5 people.

○ Family units.

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● Individual states and territories may choose to mandate and enforce this requirement.

● National Cabinet’s strong guidance to all Australians is to stay home unless for:

○ shopping for what you need – food and necessary supplies – as infrequently as possible;

○ seeing to medical or health care needs, including compassionate requirements such as providing practical support or assistance to vulnerable or isolated people;

○ exercising, in compliance with the public gathering requirements;

○ work or study – if you can’t work or learn remotely.

● National Cabinet also agreed that playgrounds, skate parks and outside gyms in public places will be closed. Bootcamps will be reduced to two persons, including the trainer.

● These measures will be in place from midnight, 30 March 2020.

● National Cabinet discussed further restrictions on activities and venues. Overseas experience indicates more restrictions on personal movement and businesses will be needed if the outbreak worsens in Australia.

● States and territories agreed they would implement further measures specific to their own region, including closing categories of venues, where medical advice supported this action. These measures would be risk-based and targeted at non-essential activities.

● Australians will still be able to access the goods and services needed to safely and sustainably live their lives.

● Australians can continue to shop online and use delivery services.

● From 23 March 2020, the following facilities were restricted from opening:

○ Pubs, registered and licensed clubs (excluding bottle shops attached to these venues), hotels (excluding accommodation).

○ Gyms and indoor sporting venues.

○ Cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and nightclubs.

○ Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery.

○ Religious gatherings, places of worship (small weddings and funerals that comply with the 4sqm rule can proceed).

○ Isolated remote community hubs are not included in these restrictions.

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● Although some events may proceed (see detailed table below), there are general measures that all events must follow, including:

○ In a given occupied space, there must be a density of no more than one person per four square metres of floor space. The 4sqm arrangements are effective now under state and territory regulatory arrangements.

○ Hand hygiene products and suitable waste receptacles must be made available, with frequent cleaning and waste disposal.

○ The Department of Health recommendations for unwell individuals to isolate at home must be promoted.

● These measures also apply to outdoor spaces associated with the above venues

● As at 11.59pm, 30 March 2020, the following activities and facilities are prohibited:

Business, premises or place Exceptions

Food and drink

Pubs, registered and licensed clubs

Bottle shops attached to these venues

Restaurants and cafes Take away service and home delivery allowed.

Cafes or canteens at hospitals, care homes or schools; prison and military canteens; services providing food or drink to the homeless; workplace canteens can provide takeaway.

Hotels Excluding accommodation

Food courts Delivery and takeaway are only.

Retail and Property

Auction houses

Real estate auctions, and display and open house inspections

Private appointments for inspection are allowed

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Outdoor and indoor markets will be a decision for each state and territory

Food markets will continue to operate in all states and territories.

Beauty and personal care services

Beauty therapy, tanning, waxing, nail salons, tattoo parlours

Spas and massage parlours

Hairdressers and barber shops Hairdressers that can strictly apply the 1 person per 4 square metre rule within the premises, with personal contact to be minimised wherever possible.

Entertainment venues

Cinemas

Casinos, gaming and gambling venues

Strip clubs, brothels and sex on premises venues

Concert venues, community halls, theatres, arenas, auditoriums, stadiums

Live streaming of a performance by a small group could be permissible with social distancing observed

Amusement parks, arcades and play centres (indoor and outdoor)

Leisure and recreation

Community and recreation centres

Facilities may remain open for the purpose of hosting essential voluntary or public services, such as food banks or homeless services.

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Outdoor playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms in public places

Gyms, health clubs, fitness centres, yoga, barre and spin facilities, saunas, bathhouses and wellness centres

Allied health services

Boot camps and personal training (outside and inside)

For outside events, must be limited to no more than 2 people (including the trainer) and social distancing must be exercised.

Social sporting-based activities Individual or small group sporting activities can take place if adhering to the 2 persons rule while practising social distancing.

Swimming pools

Residential facilities

Hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, caravan parks, and boarding houses will be a decision for each state and territory

Excluding permanent residents and workers.

Caravan and camping parks will be a decision for each state and territory

Where people live permanently in caravan parks or are staying in caravan parks temporarily while their primary residence is not available, they may continue to do so.

Non-residential institutions

Galleries, museums, national institutions and historic sites

Libraries, community centres, and youth centres

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Local government non-essential facilities and services (such as libraries and pools)

Community facilities (such as community halls, clubs, RSLs, PCYCs)

Places of worship and religious gatherings

Live streaming of a service is possible with only essential participants. Social distancing must be observed. See further detail below.

Weddings and funerals

Weddings Weddings can be conducted with no more than five people, including the couple, the celebrant and witnesses. The 4 square metre rule and social distancing must be observed

Funerals Funerals must be limited to no more than 10 people. The 4 square metre rule and social distancing must be observed.

In hardship cases, states and territories can provide exemptions in relation to attendance at funerals, but only at the margin.

● Businesses and activities not listed as prohibited can continue to operate, provided they meet social distancing requirements.

● Data suggests that as of 27 March, there has been an 82 percent decrease in movement across both Sydney and Melbourne – evidence that these tighter restrictions are working.

How will this be implemented?

● States and territories will implement the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee with their own legislation (specifically through Public Health Orders).

State and Territory measures ● Each state and territory can make orders on gatherings and essential services

including penalties and fines for non compliance. ● As of 30 March, Victoria has entered stage 3 of its coronavirus response, and has

imposed fines of more than $1600 for breaching social-distancing rules.

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● As of 26 March, NSW has declared that failure to comply with a direction issued by Ministerial order under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010 is a criminal offence and may incur a penalty of $1,000 for an individual or $5,000 for a corporation.

● Specific state and territory information is below:

Australian Capital Territory

https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/protecting-yourself-and-others/groups-and-gatherings

New South Wales

https://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/public-health-orders

Northern Territory

https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/community-advice/gatherings

Queensland

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/legislation/cho-public-health-directions-under-expanded-public-health-act-powers

South Australia

https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/health+topics/health+topics+a+-+z/covid+2019/community/information+for+the+community+-+covid-19

Tasmania

https://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/publichealth/communicable_diseases_prevention_unit/infectious_diseases/coronavirus

Victoria

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/state-emergency

Western Australia

https://www.wa.gov.au/government/document-collections/covid-19-coronavirus-state-of-emergency-declarations

What are the considerations for religious services?

● Churches and other places of worship will be considered places of work so that services can be live streamed to the community.

● This will ensure that religious services, including Easter services, remain accessible to congregations.

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● On 3 April, National Cabinet agreed that providing access to services is important for a sense of continuity and social connection.

● Services may be conducted and live streamed providing only essential staff are present, the venue/facility remains closed to the public, and social distancing principles are adhered to.

● Any church wishing to conduct religious services, including Easter services, must use the minimum number of participants required to deliver and live stream the service, which may include a priest, attendants, organist, videographer and sound recordist.

What is the latest advice for senior Australians?

● The care and wellbeing of senior Australians remains a priority in this uncertain time. We are facing an extraordinary health challenge and we need to work together to protect Australians most vulnerable to COVID-19.

● Coronavirus has more serious impacts on older Australians, those over 70 years of age and Australians with existing health conditions or comorbidities.

● National Cabinet’s strong advice is for self-isolation at home to the maximum extent practicable, for Australians:

○ Over 70 years of age.

○ Over 60 years of age who have existing health conditions.

○ Indigenous Australians over the age of 50 who have existing health conditions or comorbidities.

● These groups should limit contact with others as much as possible when they travel outside.

Should people avoid busy shopping centres?

● Australians should stay at home, unless shopping for essentials.

● At shopping centres, people should avoid congregating in large groups and use appropriate social distancing.

● Food courts at shopping centres can remain open for delivery and takeaway.

● Everyone has a role to play in this outbreak: follow the medical advice, be patient and stay calm.

Will domestic ANZAC Day commemorative services be cancelled?

● The National Cabinet has agreed that Anzac Day ceremonies and events should be cancelled due to the high proportion of older Australians who attend and the increased risk of exposure to COVID-19

● A small streamed/filmed ceremony involving officials at a state level may be acceptable. There should be no marches.

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● The Australian War Memorial will aim to conduct a nationally-televised Dawn Service with no general public attendance.

● State and territory governments and the RSLs will work together on local community arrangements to commemorate Anzac Day.

When will the COVID-19 advice be lifted?

● It will remain in place for as long as the medical experts recommend.

● Australians should expect these measures to be in place for at least six months.

Will Australian cities be locked down?

● The medical experts have not recommended such a measure.

● We will continue to take and implement the advice of the medical experts.

● There is no threshold number that determines when a lockdown is appropriate.

● The situation will differ across regions, and the medical experts will provide advice to us, if and when it is necessary.

● The National Cabinet we announced on 13 March will help ensure a consistent approach across state and territory governments

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS, TRAVEL ADVICE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

● Based on our expert medical advice, Australia was one of the first countries in the world to implement travel restrictions in response to COVID-19.

● From Saturday 28 March 2020, all travellers arriving in Australia have been required to undertake their mandatory 14 day self-isolation at designated facilities (for example, a hotel).

● From 9pm AEDT, 20 March 2020, Australia’s borders were closed to non-citizens and non-residents.

o Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family, including spouses, legal guardians and dependants are exempt.

o We have taken this unprecedented action because the majority of COVID-19 cases in Australia are imported and our number one priority is to slow transmission.

● On 27 March, National Cabinet agreed to further restrict the movement of incoming travellers – and increase compliance checks on those travellers already undertaking mandatory self-isolation at home.

● This is about reducing the spread of the virus in Australia and saving lives.

● Cruise ships from foreign ports are banned from arriving in Australia. Non-essential cruise ships operating in Australia must not operate if they cannot comply with social distancing and mass gathering requirements.

● We have raised the advice for overseas travel to the highest level – ‘Do not travel’.

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○ Exemptions, to be managed by the Australian Border Force, will apply to a range of categories of travellers, including citizens ordinarily resident overseas; essential or necessary travel; travel in our national interest; and compassionate and humanitarian grounds.

Ban on Australians Travelling Overseas

● The Commonwealth Government has implemented a ‘do not travel’ ban on Australians travelling overseas, under the Biosecurity Act 2015. This ban came into effect on 25 March.

● Exemptions, to be managed by the Australian Border Force, will apply to a range of categories of travellers, including citizens ordinarily resident overseas; essential or necessary travel; travel in our national interest; and compassionate and humanitarian grounds.

● This will help avoid travellers returning to Australia with coronavirus, and reduce the risks of spreading coronavirus to other countries.

● The ban is aligned with the Government’s decision to raise the Smartraveller Travel Advice to Level 4 – Do Not Travel Overseas.

How long will travel restrictions and quarantine requirements last?

● The requirement for international arrivals to self-isolate is indefinite.

● We will continue to take the advice of the medical experts on travel restrictions and self-isolation directives.

How are you ensuring that international travellers will self-isolate?

● From 28 March, all travellers returning to Australia will be quarantined for 14 days at designated facilities (for example, a hotel) in the city where their international flight lands.

a. Travellers will be transported directly to designated facilities after appropriate immigration, customs and enhanced health checks.

b. Designated facilities will be determined by the relevant state or territory government and will ordinarily be at the city of entry where travellers have cleared immigration. Facilities in other areas may be used if required.

c. These requirements will be implemented under state and territory legislation and enforced by state and territory governments, with the support of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) where necessary.

d. The Commonwealth will provide support through the ABF and ADF for these arrangements across Australia, and states and territories will meet the costs and determine any contributions required for travellers arriving within their jurisdictions.

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e. Air and maritime crews will continue existing precautions they are following – self-isolating in their accommodation if they enter Australia until their next work voyage.

● Increased compliance checks will be carried on travellers in self-isolation, including those earlier arrivals self-isolating at home.

a. The ADF will begin helping state and territory governments to undertake quarantine compliance checks of those required to be in mandatory isolation after returning from overseas.

b. ADF personnel will bolster local police efforts in visiting the homes and residences of Australians in mandatory isolation as directed by state and territory governments – reporting to local police whether the identified individual was at the residence.

c. ADF assistance will be provided under the Defence Assistance to the Civil Community arrangements.

● Returned overseas travellers and small community outbreaks associated with returned international travellers continue to account for most of the new COVID-19 cases in Australia.

● This is about reducing the spread of the virus in Australia and saving lives.

What is the penalty for not self-isolating?

● Implementing the self-isolation requirements is a matter for states and territories, including penalties for non-compliance.

Should people avoid domestic flights?

● National Cabinet agreed that all Australians should avoid non-essential travel. If unwell, people must stay at home other than for critical reasons such as seeking medical care.

● National Cabinet agreed that domestic air travel is low risk. However, to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19, unnecessary domestic air travel should be avoided.

Why is DFAT advising Australians not to travel overseas?

● The National Security Committee of Cabinet has decided to raise overseas travel advice to the highest level 4. Our advice to all Australians – regardless of your destination, age or health – is do not travel overseas at this time.

● We also advise Australians who are overseas and wish to return to Australia, to do so as soon as possible.

● Anyone arriving in Australia from overseas, including Australians citizens and permanent residents, will be required to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of arrival.

● We have issued this advice because:

o There may be a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 overseas.

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o Health care systems in some countries may come under strain and may not be as well-equipped as Australia’s or have the capacity to support foreigners.

● The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will do what it can to provide consular advice and assistance, but DFAT’s capacity to do so may be limited by local restrictions on movement.

● Australians who cannot or do not wish to return home should follow the advice of local authorities and minimise their risk of COVID-19 by self-isolating.

How is the Government assisting Australians overseas who want to return home?

● We understand this is difficult and stressful. We strongly recommend Australians follow the directions and advice of local authorities, and continue to monitor www.smartraveller.gov.au and the social media account of the closest Australian diplomatic mission.

● Australians who have decided to return home and are concerned about whether they can due to border restrictions or flight cancellations, should first check with their travel agent and transportation provider before contacting the local Australian embassy, high commission or consulate.

● Australians requiring consular assistance can contact the local Australian embassy, high commission or consulate or call DFAT’s Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 and +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas.

● Our ability to provide consular assistance in some places may be limited due to restrictions on movement and other services.

● Australia is working with foreign governments, airlines and travel companies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consular officials are doing all they can to help those most in need.

● Most countries still have arrangements in place to allow foreigners to leave. Australians who have decided to return home are advised to do so as soon as possible. They should first contact their travel agent or transport provider for options.

● Where there are difficulties because countries have closed their borders or airlines have stopped operating, we are consulting with governments, like-minded countries and the airline industry to help Australians find ways home.

● In some cases, Australians may have to stay where they are for longer until departure can be arranged or border closures are lifted.

Should Australians attend ANZAC day services overseas? ● On 18 March 2020, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs announced the cancellation of

all Australian-led international Anzac Day events this year.

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HEALTH RESPONSE

How is the Government ensuring Australia’s health system is ready to respond to COVID-19?

● On 11 March 2020, we unveiled a comprehensive $2.4 billion COVID-19 health package to protect all Australians, including vulnerable groups such as the elderly, those with chronic conditions and Indigenous communities.

● The key components are:

o $1.1 billion to ensure patients and critical health workers have access to face masks, surgical gowns, goggles, antibiotics and antivirals.

o $500 million to pay for 50 per cent of costs incurred by states and territories in diagnosing and treating patients with COVID-19 or suspected of having the disease, as well as efforts to minimise spread.

o $200 million for up to 100 dedicated respiratory clinics.

o $170 million for a Medicare-funded pathology test for COVID-19.

o $100 million to enable aged care providers to hire extra staff for residential and home care – helping to protect senior Australians.

o $100 million for telehealth services to reach vulnerable Australians, including those living alone.

o $58 million for remote community preparedness and retrieval: minimising remote communities’ exposure to COVID-19, increasing capacity to evacuate early cases and responding effectively if an outbreak occurs.

o $30 million for a communications campaign, delivering practical advice in up to 20 languages on containing the virus and staying healthy.

● On 19 March 2020, we announced limits on dispensing and sales of medicines to ensure equitable access to medicines in Australia.

● On 20 March, we announced an additional $444.6 million aged care workforce support program, focused on residential aged care and in-home aged care support.

● On 8 April, the Government announced the allocation of 11 million masks to health care providers across Australia.

○ This includes 7 million to hospitals, and 2.3 million to the primary health network, including 1.5 million for general practices.

○ This is part of an ongoing distribution throughout the course of the COVID-19 outbreak.

How is the Government working with private hospitals to ensure resources are available?

● On 31 March, the Australian Government announced it will partner with the private hospital sector to ensure the full resources of our world-class health system are ready and focused on treating patients as required through the coronavirus pandemic.

● The agreement will ensure over 30,000 hospital beds and the 105,000 skilled workforce, are available alongside the public hospital sector.

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● The Commonwealth will offer agreements to all 657 private and not-for-profit hospitals to ensure their viability, in return for maintenance and capacity during the COVID-19 response.

● These facilities will be required to make infrastructure, essential equipment (including ventilators), supplies (including PPE), workforce and additional resources fully available to the state and territory hospital system or the Australian Government.

● They will also continue to support the needs of long-stay public hospital National Disability Insurance Scheme participants, and aged care patients and general needs patients.

How is the Government providing support to Australians to access health services from home?

● To ensure continued access to essential primary health services during the pandemic, $669 million will be provided to expand Medicare-subsidised telehealth services for all Australians.

● This will take pressure off hospitals and emergency departments, allowing people to access essential health services (such as local GPs) in their home while supporting self-isolation and quarantine policies.

● Australians will be able to access support in their own home using their telephone, or video conferencing such as FaceTime to connect with GP services, mental health treatment, chronic disease management, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments, services to people with eating disorders, pregnancy support counselling, services to patients in aged care facilities, services for children with autism, after-hours consultations and nurse practitioners.

● The GP bulk billing incentive will be doubled for GPs. And an incentive payment will be established to ensure practices stay open to provide essential face-to-face services for patients with conditions unable to be treated through telehealth.

● The new arrangements will be in place until 30 September 2020, when they will be reviewed in light of the ongoing need to fight coronavirus.

What is the Government response on elective surgeries?

● National Cabinet has endorsed the recommendation for states and territories to suspend all non-urgent elective surgery.

● National Cabinet agreed that all elective surgery other than Category 1 cases and urgent Category 2 cases in public hospitals, should be suspended until further notice.

● National Cabinet agreed the deadline for the suspension of semi urgent Category 2 and 3 elective surgeries at private hospitals is 11.59pm on 1 April 2020.

● The private hospital system has an important role to play in supporting the acute and intensive care needs of infected Australians, as well as other urgent care needs. State and territory governments have committed to urgently finalise arrangements with private hospitals under the COVID-19 National Partnership Agreement by 29

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March 2020. This will ensure sufficient and viable capacity exists within the private hospital sector as part of the COVID-19 response and on an ongoing basis.

● By cancelling certain elective surgeries, the National Cabinet is acting to preserve resources, including protective equipment, to help prepare public and private health services for their role in the COVID-19 outbreak.

● Every patient waiting for elective surgery is assessed as Category 1, 2 or 3:

○ Category 1 – Needing treatment within 30 days. Has the potential to deteriorate quickly to the point of emergency.

○ Category 2 – Needing treatment within 90 days. Conditions causing pain, dysfunction or disability. Unlikely to deteriorate quickly or become an emergency.

○ Category 3 – Needing treatment in the next year. Conditions causing pain, dysfunction or disability. Unlikely to deteriorate quickly.

● Category decisions are at the discretion of patients’ treating medical professionals.

● Australia’s health system will continue to ensure any patient in need of urgent attention receives treatment.

What is the Government doing to support more mental health services for all Australians?

● As we battle coronavirus on both the health and economic fronts with significant support packages in place and more to come, the Government is very aware that many Australians are understandably anxious, stressed and fearful about the impacts of coronavirus.

● On 29 March, the Government announced an initial $74 million to support the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians battling the effects of coronavirus. This includes:

○ The Government’s digital mental health portal, ‘Head to Health’ (www.headtohealth.gov.au), which will be a single source of authoritative information and guidance on how to maintain good mental health during the coronavirus pandemic and in self-isolation, how to support children and loved ones, and how to access further mental health services and care.

○ A new national communications campaign, delivered in conjunction with the National Mental Health Commission, will provide information about maintaining mental wellbeing, raise awareness of the signs of you or a loved one requiring additional assistance, and point to where to find further information, support and care.

○ $10 million to be provided to create a dedicated coronavirus wellbeing support line, delivered by Beyond Blue, to help people concerned about a coronavirus diagnosis, or experiencing stress or anxiety from employment changes, business closure, financial difficulties, family pressures or other challenges.

○ $14 million to bolster mental health support providers facing an unprecedented surge in call volumes. The funding will increase their capacity,

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including $5 million for Lifeline and $2 million for Kids Helpline. It will also boost other existing services, including digital peer-support to people with urgent, severe and complex mental illness who may have additional distress at this time.

○ Increased mental health support for health workers, who will be at the frontline of the pandemic.

○ $10 million to be provided to the Community Visitors Scheme to deliver extra staff to train volunteer visitors, who will connect with older people in aged care online and by phone, and help older Australians keep in touch with the community and loved ones.

○ $6.75 million to deliver the headspace digital work and study service. Mentors and headspace vocational specialists working in an integrated team will offer technical and life skills, providing a comprehensive digital support service for all young Australians during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

○ For Indigenous Australians, Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia will develop culturally appropriate mental health and wellbeing resources. These will be easily accessible across a range of platforms, including print, podcast, NITV, Indigenous print media and internet/social media platforms.

○ $28.3 million to deliver psychosocial support to Commonwealth community mental health clients for a further 12 months.

What relief services are being provided for vulnerable Australians?

● An additional $200 million will be provided to support charities and other community organisations which provide emergency and food relief as demand surges with the impact of coronavirus.

● The Community Support Package will provide flexible funding to boost support to services where demand is quickly increasing, including:

○ Emergency Relief which will help vulnerable Australians who need help with bills, food, clothing or petrol, and increase and retain workforce capacity including volunteers.

○ Assistance for food relief organisations to source additional food and transport for emergency relief service providers, and rebuild workforce capacity.

○ Immediately scaling up services through the National Debt Helpline, which is often the first point of contact for people in financial difficulties, and to support one-on-one tele-financial counselling.

○ Creating a short-form Financial Counselling course through Financial Counselling Australia to train new financial counsellors to boost the workforce, potentially providing hundreds of new jobs.

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○ Expanding access to safe, affordable financial products through the No Interest Loan Scheme, providing an immediate financial relief alternative to high-risk, high-interest products such as credit cards and payday loans.

● On 11 April, the Government announced an immediate $100 million of funding to more than 300 charities and community organisations to support Australians in the wake of the coronavirus economic downturn. This includes:

○ More than $37 million shared among almost 200 existing Commonwealth-funded Emergency Relief organisations to boost support and change service delivery methods to comply with social distancing guidelines.

○ $7 million to the Red Cross over the next six months to deliver emergency relief and some casework support to people facing significant vulnerabilities who are on temporary visas.

○ $16 million for food relief providers Foodbank Australia, SecondBite and OzHarvest to secure food supplies, transport options and required workforce.

○ An additional $20 million to financial counselling services including the National Debt Helpline, Money Support Hubs and Problem Gambling to increase their capacity to assist more Australians through the economic downturn.

○ $20 million to Good Shepherd to offer about 40,000 Australians access to safe, affordable financial products through the No Interest Loans Scheme.

● This will be complemented by a new National Coordination Group to help lead the Government’s response to emergency relief across Australia.

● The sector-led group will be charged with identifying issues at the local, state and national level and providing advice directly to the Minister for Social Services on how to meet emerging needs.

What support is the Government providing to people experiencing domestic violence?

● On 29 March, the Government announced that an initial $150 million will be provided to support Australians experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence due to the fallout from coronavirus.

● The funding will boost programs including:

○ Support for frontline services determined by the states and territories, such as crisis accommodation.

○ Counselling support for families affected by, or at risk of experiencing, domestic and family violence including men’s behaviour change programs which will provide a short, medium and longer term response to support men.

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○ 1800RESPECT, the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling service, which already answers around 160,000 calls a year.

○ Mensline Australia, the national counselling service for men that provides support for emotional health and relationship concerns, where men are affected by or considering using violence.

○ Trafficked People Program to support the particularly vulnerable such as victims of human trafficking, forced marriage, slavery and slavery-like practices.

○ Support programs for women and children experiencing violence to protect themselves to stay in their homes, or a home of their choice, when it is safe to do so.

○ A new public communication campaign will roll out to support anyone experiencing domestic violence over this period, and to ensure those affected know where they can seek help.

What is the Government doing to support states and territories to ensure they have the resources to respond to the health impacts?

● State and territory hospitals systems will face unprecedented pressures from coronavirus.

● On 13 March 2020, the Government agreed to a 50-50 shared health funding deal with the states and territories to help them effectively prepare and respond to COVID-19.

● The Australian Government will pay 50 per cent of costs incurred by states and territories in diagnosing and treating patients with COVID-19 or suspected of having the disease, as well as efforts to minimise spread.

● We estimate that the 50:50 partnership may cost $1 billion.

● The funding will be uncapped, demand-driven and our funding will rise in response to the changing health needs of Australians.

● An immediate $100 million advance payment has already been delivered, on a population basis, to support states and territories.

● This recognises the need for immediate financial assistance, while providing maximum flexibility to respond as the outbreak evolves.

● Our funding is on top of funding available under the National Health Agreement which is delivering $31 billion to state hospitals over the next five years, the $2.4 billion Coronavirus health package and an additional $444.6 million aged care workforce support program.

How are private health insurers providing financial relief to people affected by coronavirus?

● On 9 April, the ACCC announced private health insurers have conditional interim authorisation to provide financial relief to policy holders during the COVID-19 pandemic, and broadening insurance coverage to include COVID-19 treatment, tele-health and medical treatment provided at home.

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● The ACCC granted interim authorisation after receiving an application lodged by Private Healthcare Australia (PHA), Members Health Fund Alliance and the members of both groups. PHA is the Australian private health insurance industry’s peak representative body, and represents the majority of people covered by private health insurance.

What happens now a pandemic is declared?

● On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organisation assessed that COVID-19 can be characterised as a pandemic.

● The declaration of a pandemic does not materially change what we are doing in Australia.

● We anticipated this declaration and have been planning for the pandemic phase.

● A more significant development for Australia would be sustained community transmission – and we are prepared for this.

● Our comprehensive $2.4 billion health package will ensure our health system has the resources to fight COVID-19.

● In addition, on 27 February 2020 we endorsed the activation of the Emergency Response Plan for Communicable Disease Incidents of National Significance: National Arrangements for Coronavirus (National CD Plan).

o This outlines how non-health sector agencies (such as police, child care, transport and essential utilities) will support the community alongside the health sector response.

● On 27 February, we also fast-tracked the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (the COVID-19 Plan).

o On 15 March, we activated the second stage of this plan, enabling governments to take targeted action and ensuring the proper allocation of resources.

● Under a pandemic, the Health Emergency Plan moves our actions from containment, to managing and limiting spread of COVID-19 through measures such as:

o Epidemiological monitoring and contact management of patients.

o Heightened border measures.

o Communications supporting best practice.

o Enhancing and supporting national testing capacity and capability.

o Forward pandemic planning, including:

▪ Alternative Models of Care (e.g. fever clinics, designated hospitals and wards for coronavirus).

▪ Sector specific plans (e.g. aged care, primary care, critical care, childcare, including management of facilities).

▪ Supporting essential research (e.g. priority funding for medical research).

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How far away is a vaccine for COVID-19? ● Researchers around the world are on the job – with Australian researchers leading

the way. However, a vaccine could take at least 12 to 18 months, or longer. There is no surety that a vaccine will be found.

o The University of Queensland announced on 21 February 2020 that it had created a vaccine candidate for coronavirus. It is currently undergoing small-scale testing at CSIRO’s biologics production facility in Melbourne.

o The production of the vaccine will be scaled up to allow the next stage of toxicology studies and testing at UQ. From there, it will go to CSIRO’s Australian Animal Health Laboratory in Geelong for pre-clinical testing for safety and efficacy. Once deemed to be safe and effective, the vaccine will undergo clinical trials and regulatory approvals.

● As part of our $2.4 billion health package, we are allocating $30 million from the Medical Research Future Fund for vaccine, anti-viral and respiratory medicine research.

o This will help Australian researchers stay at the forefront of efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine and treatments.

What is the Government doing to secure vital Personal Protective Equipment for frontline medical personnel?

● The Government has contracted suppliers to provide an additional 54 million masks to help protect medical professionals who are working to stop the spread of the virus.

● A combination of surgical masks and P2/N95 respirators have been secured for the National Medical Stockpile. These will be available for medical professionals who are caring for suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19.

● As part of our $2.4 billion health package, we are providing $1.1 billion to replenish the National Medical Stockpile with face masks, surgical gowns, goggles, antibiotics and antivirals.

o This will ensure critical health workers and patients have access to the equipment and medicines they need.

● We are also working to support Australian companies to increase the production of facemasks and other PPE.

o Support will include the purchase of new machinery, workforce training and securing immediate access to raw inputs.

How does COVID-19 compare with the flu and other viruses?

● For every infection, there are around two to three secondary cases.

o SARS was initially transmitted at the rate of about three secondary cases before public health measures reduced it to below 1. These figures compare with a rate of 1.3 for seasonal influenza.

● The global fatality rate for COVID-19 is about 3.8 per cent.

o This compares to death rates of 37 per cent for MERS, 10 per cent for SARS and 0.1 per cent for seasonal influenza.

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● Compared to COVID-19:

o There were 774 deaths from SARS (as at 31 December 2003) and 858 deaths from MERS (as at November 2019). The World Health Organisation estimates between 290,000 and 650,000 people die from seasonal influenza-related respiratory diseases each year.

How is the Government ensuring medical practitioners and the broader community can access reliable information on COVID-19?

● As part of our $2.4 billion health package, we have announced $30 million for a new national communications campaign to provide practical advice on containing the virus and staying healthy.

o The information will be based on the latest medical advice and targeted at the entire community as well as high risk groups in up to 20 languages.

o The campaign will keep the health and aged care industry informed, including providing up to date clinical guidance, development of an app and advice to workers about maintaining their own safety.

● The Department of Health is also enhancing communications to General Practitioners with two newsletters every week and regular webinars.

● We are also using existing Government systems such as www.australia.gov.au and MyGov to disseminate information.

What is the Government doing to ensure access to medicines?

● We have introduced new limits on dispensing and sales of prescription and over-the-counter medicines to ensure equitable access for Australians.

● From 19 March 2020:

o Pharmacists will be required to limit dispensing of certain prescription products to one month’s supply at the prescribed dose, and sales of certain over-the-counter medicines to a maximum of one unit per purchase.

o Pharmacists will be strongly encouraged to limit dispensing and sales of all other medicines to one month’s supply or one unit.

o Salbutamol (Ventolin, Asmol and Airomir) inhalers provided on an over-the-counter basis will be subject to new controls, including requiring pharmacists to confirm the patient’s diagnosis and supply needs.

o Pharmacists will be required to relocate some medicines, including children’s paracetamol, from front of shop to behind the counter to help allocate supplies equitably.

● Vulnerable people and people in self-isolation are also able to order their Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) prescriptions remotely and have their medicines home delivered to reduce their potential exposure to COVID-19.

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ECONOMIC IMPACTS

What is the Government doing about the economic impacts of COVID-19?

● On 30 March 2020, the Government released the third stage of its plan to cushion the economic impact of the coronavirus and help build a bridge to recovery.

● A total of $320 billion is being injected into the economy by all arms of government in order to keep Australians in work and businesses in business.

● This includes $17.6 billion for the Government’s first economic stimulus package, $90 billion from the Reserve Bank of Australia and $15 billion from the Government to deliver easier access to finance, $66.1 billion in the second economic support package, and $130 billion JobKeeper payment.

Our economic support package includes:

o Support for households including casuals, sole-traders, retirees and those on income support.

o Assistance for businesses to keep people in a job.

o Regulatory protection and financial support for businesses to stay in business.

● The Government is taking unprecedented action to strengthen the safety net for Australians who are stood down or lose their jobs, and is increasing support for small businesses facing a tough six months ahead.

● The $320 billion economic support package is equivalent to 16.4 per cent of GDP.

● Further details on the package can be found at: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/resources

How is the Government supporting workers and households?

$130 billion JobKeeper payment to keep Australians in a job

● The Federal Government will provide a historic wage subsidy to around 6 million workers who will receive a flat payment of $1,500 per fortnight through their employer, before tax.

● The $130 billion JobKeeper payment will help keep Australians in jobs as we tackle the significant economic impact from the coronavirus.

● The payment will be paid to employers, for up to six months, for each eligible employee who was on their books on 1 March 2020, and is retained or continues to be engaged by that employer.

● Where a business has stood down employees since 1 March, the payment will help maintain connection with these workers.

● Employers will receive a payment of $1,500 per fortnight per eligible employee. Every eligible employee must receive at least $1,500 per fortnight from this business, before tax.

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● The program will start on 30 March 2020, with the first payments to be received by eligible businesses in the first week of May as monthly arrears from the Australian Taxation Office. Eligible businesses can begin distributing the JobKeeper payment immediately and will be reimbursed from the first week of May.

● The payment will be open to eligible businesses that receive a significant financial hit caused by the coronavirus.

● Eligible employers will be those with annual turnover of less than $1 billion who self-assess that they have a reduction in revenue of 30 per cent or more since 1 March 2020, over a minimum one-month period.

● Employers with an annual turnover of $1 billion or more would be required to demonstrate a reduction in revenue of 50 per cent or more to be eligible. Businesses subject to the Major Bank Levy will not be eligible.

● Eligible employers include businesses structured through companies, partnerships, trusts and sole traders. Not for profit entities, including charities, will also be eligible.

● Full time and part time employees, including stood-down employees, would be eligible to receive the JobKeeper Payment. Where a casual employee has been with their employer for at least the previous 12 months, they will also be eligible for the payment. An employee will only be eligible to receive this payment from one employer.

● Eligible employees include Australian residents, New Zealand citizens in Australia who hold a subclass 444 special category visa, and migrants who are eligible for JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance (Other).

● Self-employed individuals are also eligible to receive the JobKeeper Payment.

● Eligible businesses can apply for the payment online and are able to register their interest via www.ato.gov.au

● The JobKeeper payment will provide the equivalent of around 70 per cent of the national median wage.

● For workers in the accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors, it will equate to a full median replacement wage.

● The payment will ensure eligible employers and employees stay connected while some businesses move into hibernation.

Coronavirus supplement

● The Government is temporarily expanding eligibility to income support payments and establishing a new, time-limited coronavirus supplement to be paid at a rate of $550 per fortnight. This will be paid to both existing and new recipients of the JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance jobseeker, Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit.

● The coronavirus supplement will be paid for the next six months. Eligible income support recipients will receive the full amount of the $550 coronavirus supplement on top of their payment each fortnight.

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● An increase of up to 5,000 staff for Services Australia will help support delivery of the new Government measures.

Income support partner pay income test

● JobSeeker Payment is subject to a partner income test, the Government is temporarily relaxing the partner income test to ensure that an eligible person can receive the JobSeeker Payment, and associated Coronavirus Supplement, providing their partner earns less than $3,068 per fortnight, around $79,762 per annum.

● The personal income test for individuals on JobSeeker Payment will still apply.

Payments to support households

● As well as the $750 stimulus payment announced on 12 March 2020, the Government will provide a further $750 payment to social security and veteran income support recipients and eligible concession card holders – except those who are receiving an income support payment that is eligible to receive the coronavirus supplement.

● This second payment will be made automatically from 13 July 2020 to around 5 million social security, veteran and other income support recipients and eligible concession card holders. Around half of those benefiting are pensioners.

● The first payment will be made from 31 March 2020 to people who will have been on one of the eligible payments between 12 March 2020 and 13 April 2020.

Early release of superannuation

● The Government will allow individuals in financial stress as a result of the coronavirus to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019-20, and a further $10,000 in 2020-21.

● Those eligible will be able to apply online through myGov for access of up to $10,000 of their superannuation before 1 July 2020.

● They will also be able to access up to a further $10,000 from 1 July 2020 for another three months.

● They will not need to pay tax on amounts released, and the money they withdraw will not affect Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs payments.

Temporarily reducing superannuation minimum drawdown rates

● The Government is temporarily reducing superannuation minimum drawdown requirements for account based pensions and similar products by 50 per cent for 2019-20 and 2020-21.

● This measure will benefit retirees by providing them with more flexibility as to how they manage their superannuation assets.

Reducing social security deeming rates

● On top of the deeming rate changes coinciding with the first package, the Government is reducing deeming rates by a further 0.25 percentage points to reflect the latest rate reductions by the RBA.

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● As of 1 May 2020, the lower deeming rate will be 0.25 per cent and the upper deeming rate will be 2.25 per cent.

● The change will benefit around 900,000 income support recipients, including Age Pensioners.

What other measures is the Government assisting businesses to keep people in a job?

Boosting Cash Flow for Employers

● The Government is providing up to $100,000 to eligible small and medium sized businesses, and not‑for-profits (including charities) that employ people, with a minimum payment of $20,000. These payments will help the cash flow of businesses and not-for-profits so they can keep operating and pay their rent, electricity and other bills and retain staff.

● Under the enhanced scheme from the first package, employers will receive a payment equal to 100 per cent of their salary and wages withheld (up from 50 per cent), with the maximum payment being increased from $25,000 to $50,000. In addition, the minimum payment is being increased from $2,000 to $10,000. The payment will be available from 28 April 2020.

● By linking the payments to business to staff wage tax withholdings, businesses will be incentivised to hold on to more of their workers.

● The payments are tax free, there will be no new forms and payments will flow automatically through the ATO.

● This measure will benefit around 690,000 businesses employing around 7.8 million people, and around 30,000 NFPs (including charities).

● Small and medium business entities with aggregated annual turnover under $50 million and that employ workers are eligible.

● NFP entities, including charities, with aggregated annual turnover under $50 million and that employ workers will now also be eligible. This will support employment at a time where NFPs are facing increasing demand for services.

● An additional payment is also being made from 28 July 2020. Eligible entities will receive an additional payment equal to the total of all of the Boosting Cash Flow for Employers payments received.

How is the Government providing regulatory protection and financial support for businesses to stay in business?

Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme

● The Government will establish the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme which will support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to get access to working capital to help them get them through the impact of the coronavirus.

● Under the Scheme, the Government will guarantee 50 per cent of new loans issued by eligible lenders to SMEs.

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● The Government’s support will enhance lenders’ willingness and ability to provide credit to SMEs with the Scheme able to support $40 billion of lending to SMEs.

● The Scheme will complement the announcement the Government has made to cut red tape to allow SMEs to get access to credit faster. It also complements announcements made by Australian banks to support small businesses with their existing loans.

● This builds on the investment the Government is making to enable smaller lenders to continue supporting Australian consumers and small businesses, through providing the Australian Office of Financial Management an investment capacity of $15 billion to invest in wholesale funding markets used by small authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADI) and non-ADI lenders.

● These latest measures, along with previous announcements, will deliver a total of $125 billion to help Australians get through the impact of the coronavirus.

● The Government will guarantee up to $20 billion to support $40 billion in SME loans.

Providing temporary relief for financially distressed businesses

● The Government is temporarily increasing the threshold at which creditors can issue a statutory demand on a company and the time companies have to respond to statutory demands they receive. The package also includes temporary relief for directors from any personal liability for trading while insolvent. The Corporations Act 2001 will be amended to provide temporary and targeted relief for companies to deal with unforeseen events that arise as a result of the coronavirus.

● This builds on the support for business and business investment provided in our first economic support package, which included:

○ Increasing the instant asset write-off. ○ Backing business investment by providing accelerated depreciation

deductions. ○ Supporting apprentices and trainees. ○ Targeted support for coronavirus-affected regions and communities.

What is the Government doing to relieve pressure on commercial tenants?

● As part of its work helping businesses to hibernate, National Cabinet agreed that short-term intervention is required in commercial tenancies.

● On 29 March, National Cabinet agreed to a moratorium on evictions over the next six months for commercial (and residential) tenants in financial distress and unable to meet their commitments due to the impact of coronavirus.

● Commercial tenants, landlords and financial institutions are encouraged to come together to find a way through, ensuring businesses can survive and be there on the other side.

● On 7 April, National Cabinet agreed that states and territories would implement a mandatory Code of Conduct (the Code), including via legislation or regulation as appropriate, to implement principles that were agreed on 3 April.

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● The purpose of the Code is to impose a set of good faith leasing principles for commercial tenancies (including retail, office and industrial) between owners/operators/other landlords and tenants, where the tenant is a small-medium business (annual turnover of up to $50 million) and eligible for the Government’s JobKeeper program.

● National Cabinet agreed that there would be a proportionality to rent reductions based on the tenant’s decline in turnover to ensure that the burden is shared between landlords and tenants. The Code provides a proportionate and measured burden share between the two parties while still allowing tenants and landlords to agree to tailored, bespoke and appropriate temporary arrangements that take account of their particular circumstances.

● Binding mediation will be provided as needed through existing state and territory mechanisms.

● The Commonwealth Government is also acting as a model landlord by waiving rents for all its small and medium enterprises and not-for-profit tenants within its owned and leased property across Australia.

What assistance is being offered to residential tenants?

● National Cabinet has agreed to a moratorium on evictions over the next six months for residential tenants in financial distress and unable to meet their commitments due to the impact of coronavirus.

● Further decisions on residential tenancies will be determined by state and territory governments.

What assistance is being offered to severely-affected regions?

● The COVID-19 pandemic is having a disproportionate impact on some sectors, regions and communities, including those heavily reliant on industries such as tourism, agriculture and education.

● This is why we are providing $1 billion to support them, including:

o Waiving fees and charges for tourism businesses that operate in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Commonwealth National Parks.

o Providing additional assistance to help businesses identify alternative export markets or supply chains.

o Targeted measures to further promote domestic tourism.

What is in the Aviation package?

● The Government has announced an aviation package for the refunding and ongoing waiving of a range of Government charges on the industry including aviation fuel excise, Airservices charges on domestic airline operations and domestic and regional aviation security charges.

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● The total cost is around $715 million, with an upfront estimated benefit of $159 million for our domestic airlines for reimbursement of applicable charges paid since 1 February 2020.

THE BUDGET Why has the Government made the decision to delay the Federal Budget?

● On 20 March 2020, the National Cabinet agreed that Commonwealth and State Governments were not positioned to deliver Budgets in such uncertain times.

● The Federal Budget has been deferred to Tuesday, 6 October 2020.

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

How is the Government supporting employers and employees to deal with the impacts of COVID-19?

● The Government encourages employees and employers to work together on sensible, pragmatic solutions. This might include agreeing on more flexible working arrangements (such as working from home), allowing employees to access paid or unpaid leave, directing employees to take leave where possible, or introducing stand-down arrangements (with or without pay) if circumstances allow.

● The Fair Work Ombudsman has guidance available on its website, www.fairwork.gov.au, outlining rights and obligations as a result of COVID-19, as well as answers concerning leave, self-isolating employees and when employees can be stood down without pay. The Ombudsman has also established a new priority COVID-19 hotline – 13 13 94 – for anyone wishing to discuss their rights and obligations.

● States and Territories continue to have primary responsibility for workplace health and safety regulation, with guidance (including in relation to COVID-19) provided by Safe Work Australia.

● The Government has established a consultation page on the Attorney-General’s Department website to allow employers, employees and their representatives to tell us about their COVID-19-related issues.

● The Government has convened industry roundtables recently to bring unions and employers together to discuss working together in the national interest. These discussions have led to joint applications to the Fair Work Commission by unions and employer groups to vary terms of modern awards on a temporary basis. The aim is greater flexibility for businesses to remain in business and people to keep their jobs.

○ The Government will continue to examine how redeployment of labour across the workforce and within businesses can meet the rapid changes in supply and demand brought on by COVID-19.

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What is the Government doing to support temporary visa holders?

● The Government is making changes to temporary visa holder arrangements during the coronavirus crisis in order to protect the health and livelihoods of Australians, support critical industries, and help with the rapid recovery.

● While citizens, permanent residents and many New Zealanders have access to unconditional work rights and government payments (including the new JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments), temporary visa holders do not.

● There has always been an expectation that temporary visa holders are able to support themselves while in Australia.

● In line with changes being made for Australian citizens and permanent residents, most temporary visa holders with work rights will now be able to access their Australian superannuation to help support themselves during this crisis.

● Temporary visa holders who are unable to support themselves under these arrangements over the next six months are strongly encouraged to return home.

● Changes are also geared towards enabling temporary visa holders to remain in key industries, such as health, aged and disability care, agriculture and food processing.

● The following new measures will apply to the major classes of temporary visa holders. The situation will be reviewed periodically and further changes made if required.

Visitor visa holders

● International tourists should return to their home country as quickly as possible, particularly those without family support.

International students

● Students are encouraged to rely on family support, part-time work where available and their own savings to sustain themselves in Australia. As part of their visa application, international students have had to demonstrate that they can support themselves completely in their first year.

● Students who have been here longer than 12 months who find themselves in financial hardship will be able to access their Australian superannuation.

● The Government will engage further with the international education sector, which already provides some financial support for international students facing hardship.

● The Government will also be flexible in cases where coronavirus has prevented international students meeting their visa conditions (such as not being able to attend classes).

● International students are able to work up to 40 hours per fortnight.

● International students working in aged care and as nurses have had these hours extended to support these critical sectors.

● International students working in the major supermarkets have also had these hours extended to help get stock on shelves during the high demand.

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● From 1 May, their hours will return to the maximum 40 hours a fortnight as more Australians are recruited.

New Zealanders on 444 visas

● New Zealanders and Australians have reciprocal arrangements to stay and work in each other’s countries.

● New Zealanders who are on 444 visas and arrived before 26 February 2001 will have access to welfare payments and the JobKeeper payment.

● 444 visa holders who arrived after 2001 have access to the JobKeeper payment. Those who have lived in Australia for 10 years or more have access to JobSeeker payments for six months.

● New Zealanders should consider returning to New Zealand if they are unable to support themselves through these provisions, work or family support.

Temporary Skilled visa holders

● Temporary Skilled visa holders who have been stood down, but not laid off, will maintain their visa validity and businesses will have the opportunity to extend their visa as per normal arrangements. Businesses will also be able to reduce the hours of the visa holder without the person being in breach of their visa condition.

● These visa holders will also be able to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation this financial year.

● Those visa holders who have been laid off due to coronavirus should leave the country in line with existing visa conditions if they are unable to secure a new sponsor. However, should a 4-year visa holder be re-employed after the coronavirus pandemic, their time already spent in Australia will count towards their permanent residency skilled work experience requirements.

Working holiday makers supporting critical sectors

● To support the critical sectors of health, aged and disability care, agriculture and food processing, and childcare, some limited flexibility will be provided to working holiday makers in these sectors.

● In particular, they will be exempt from the six-month work limitation with the one employer, and eligible for a further visa to keep working in these critical sectors if their current visa is due to expire in the next six months.

● In general, working holiday makers who do not have the confidence to sustain themselves over the next six months should make arrangements to leave the country.

● There are 185,000 other temporary visa holders in Australia, about half of them temporary graduate visa holders. They will also be able to access their Australian superannuation if needed for support.

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JOBSEEKERS AND GOVERNMENT ALLOWANCES

What is the Government doing to support job seekers who may be subject to self-isolation?

● The Government has announced a number of changes to mutual obligation requirements to reduce or eliminate the need for face-to-face contact when requested by a job seeker or job service provider.

● In the first instance, the Government has suspended mutual obligation requirements until 27 April 2020 to support job seekers through this difficult period. As demand remains high on government services, the suspension of mutual obligation requirements will alleviate some of this congestion and give certainty to the sector.

● This announcement means jobseekers will not be penalised for being unable to either attend, or report their attendance, at appointments or activities. Payments will not be suspended and no compliance action will be taken.

● The Government has also announced further steps to reduce the pressure on jobseekers when mutual obligation requirements resume. These include:

o Job seekers will have the option to request that face to face meetings with their job service providers take place over the phone or via an online channel such as Skype.

o Job seekers will be able to complete activities such as online training, creating job plans, writing a CV and preparing job applications online.

o Job Plans will be adjusted to a default requirement of four job searches a month (or fewer, at provider discretion) to reflect the softening labour market conditions.

o Work for the Dole and other activities delivered in group settings that cannot be delivered online will be suspended until further notice.

o Jobs Fairs and other large events will be postponed.

o Job service providers will be required to perform new risk assessments for a range of activities such as Youth Jobs PaTH internships.

● These arrangements will continue to be reviewed regularly.

Income support partner pay income test

● From 30 March, the Government is temporarily relaxing the partner income test to ensure that an eligible person can receive the JobSeeker Payment, and associated Coronavirus Supplement, providing their partner earns less than $3,068 per fortnight (around $79,762 per annum).

● The personal income test for individuals on JobSeeker Payment will still apply.

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AUSTRALIANS OVERSEAS What is the Government doing to support Australians stranded overseas due to the COVID-19 outbreak?

● The Australian Government is continuing to help hundreds of Australians to return to Australia by facilitating commercial flights from Peru, Argentina and South Africa.

● A Qantas service from Lima to Australia is scheduled to depart Peru on 13 April.

● This is in addition to a flight organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with South American airline LATAM, which departed from Lima, Cusco and Iquitos in Peru today. We are pleased that 280 Australians and four New Zealanders are scheduled to arrive in Melbourne tomorrow morning.

● The Government is also working to facilitate flights from further destinations in the coming weeks, including India and the Philippines.

● The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is keeping all travel advisories under close review in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee and its network of overseas embassies and consulates.

● DFAT’s current advice for Australians is not to travel overseas regardless of destination, and to continue to monitor www.smartraveller.gov.au

● Australians who have decided to return home and are concerned about whether they can due to border restrictions or flight cancellations, should first contact their travel agent and transportation provider – before contacting the local Australian embassy, high commission or consulate.

● Australians needing consular assistance can also call DFAT’s Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 153 from Australia or +61 6261 3305 from overseas.

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER AUSTRALIANS What is the Government doing to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians from COVID-19?

● Travel to remote Indigenous communities has been restricted to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

● Under an emergency requirement of the Biosecurity Act 2015, state and territory governments will restrict people from entering or leaving areas that have been nominated in consultation with Indigenous communities.

● Jurisdictions may nominate a decision-maker to permit certain people to enter or leave a community in special circumstances (e.g. to provide services that are essential, such as child care support or mental health services).

● A minimum period of isolation (currently 14 days) will be enforced before entry or re-entry into the area will be allowed.

● As part of our $2.4 billion health package to help fight COVID-19, we have announced $58 million to protect people living and working in remote locations, in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

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o This includes tools to proactively screen visitors and fly-in, fly-out workers, additional support to evacuate early cases if required, and mobile respiratory clinics to quickly respond to outbreaks.

● An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group has also been established, comprising leaders from the Aboriginal Community Controlled Sector, Aboriginal Health Services, state and territory public health and medical officials, Aboriginal communicable disease experts, the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association and representatives of the National Indigenous Australians Agency.

● The Group is developing a Management Plan to consider the practical and specific health, social and cultural needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as focusing on current containment activities and preparations for mitigation and treatment phases.

● The Government of Papua New Guinea has announced a ban on traditional border crossings in the Torres Strait.

o Under the terms of the Torres Strait Treaty, either the Papua New Guinean or Australian Government can halt border crossings for traditional purposes on the grounds of disease outbreaks, resources, security or quarantine concerns.

o The Government of Papua New Guinea has not reported any confirmed COVID-19 cases.

o There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Torres Strait.

AGED CARE How are we protecting aged care residents from COVID-19?

● Like the flu, COVID-19 particularly affects the elderly.

● As part of our $2.4 billion health package, we have announced $100 million to protect senior Australians.

o Funding will be used to educate and train aged care workers in infection control, and enable aged care providers to hire extra nurses and aged care workers for residential and home care.

o Extra aged care staff will be available for deployment to facilities as needed, where an urgent health response is required and to provide extra support for staff and training.

o The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will receive additional funding to work with providers on improving infection control.

● On 18 March 2020, we announced that the National Cabinet had agreed to the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee’s recommendations for enhanced arrangements to protect older Australians in residential aged care facilities and the broader community.

● We are relaxing international student nurse visa work conditions to provide workforce continuity for aged care facilities, home care providers and other health care workers.

● The Government is supporting the aged care workforce, with $444.6 million of funding, including:

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o $234.9 million for a COVID-19 ‘retention bonus’– ensuring the continuity of the workforce for staff in residential and home care.

o $78.3 million in additional funding for residential care to support continuity of workforce supply.

o $26.9 million to supplement the viability of residential aged care facilities (including the National Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Program, the Multi-Purpose Services Program and homeless providers).

o $92.2 million in additional support to home care providers and organisations delivering the Commonwealth Home Support Program, including for services such as meals on wheels.

o An extra $12.3 million to support the myAgedcare service to respond to the needs of older Australians.

● The Government is strengthening the aged care workforce to ensure staffing gaps are filled. On 12 April, the Government announced new emergency contingency measures to ensure aged care recipients get the care they need during the COVID-19 pandemic, including:

○ New emergency response teams on standby if there’s a significant outbreak in a residential aged care facility.

○ Remote locums to support aged care providers in remote Australia if they are unable to source staff.

○ Access to a surge workforce through the online platform Mable, to help providers if they’re unable to fill critical skills because of infection or staff have to self-isolate.

What are the restrictions on entry to aged care facilities?

● The following visitors and staff (including visiting workers) should not be permitted to enter an aged care facility:

o Those who have returned from overseas in the last 14 days.

o Those who have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

o Those with fever or symptoms of acute respiratory infection (e.g. cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath).

o Those who have not been vaccinated against influenza (after 1 May).

What are the restrictions on visitors?

● Aged care facilities should implement the following measures for restricting visits and visitors:

o Limit visits to a short duration.

o Limit visits to a maximum of two immediate social supports (family members, close friends) or professional service or advocacy at one time, per day.

o Visits should be conducted in a resident’s room, outdoors, or in a specific area designated by the aged care facility, rather than communal areas where the risk of transmission to residents is greater.

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o No large group visits or gatherings, including social activities or entertainment, should be permitted currently.

o No school groups of any size should be allowed to visit aged care facilities.

o Visitors should be encouraged to practise social distancing where possible, including maintaining a distance of 1.5m.

o Children aged 16 years or under must be permitted only by exception, as they are generally unable to comply with hygiene measures. Exemptions can be assessed on a case-by-case basis, for example where the resident is in palliative care.

o Residents should have access to phone or video calls to enable more regular communication with family members.

How can aged care facilities manage illness in visitors and staff?

● Aged care facilities should advise all regular visitors and staff to be vigilant for illness and use hygiene measures including social distancing, and to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, specifically fever and acute respiratory illness.

● Given the high vulnerability of the elderly, aged care facilities should request that staff and visitors provide details on their current health status, particularly presentation of symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Screening for fever could also be considered upon entry.

● These additional measures should be implemented in order to better protect residents and prompt individuals entering the aged care facility to consider their current state of health prior to entry. Both individuals and management need to take responsibility for the health of visitors and staff at facilities to protect our most vulnerable community members.

● Individual facilities may choose to implement additional measures as they see fit.

What measures should be taken for symptomatic staff?

● Staff should be made aware of early signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Any staff with fever or symptoms of acute respiratory infection (e.g. cough, sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath) should be excluded from the workplace and tested for COVID-19. Staff must report their symptoms to the aged care facility.

How will the Government relax international student nurse visa work conditions?

● The Government will relax international student nurse visa work conditions to provide workforce continuity for aged care facilities, home care providers and other health care workers.

● This will allow international student nurses and other aged care workers to work more than the 40 hours a fortnight that they are permitted currently.

● This measure will be examined on an ongoing basis.

● There are currently around 900 approved providers of residential aged care and about 1,000 approved providers of Home Care Packages. Around 20,000 international student nurses are studying in Australia.

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LAWS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT Can the Government restrict the movement of people to contain the spread of COVID-19?

● Under the Biosecurity Act 2015, the Commonwealth has powers to manage risks to public health in relation to listed human diseases, which includes COVID-19. This is mainly through the use of ‘human biosecurity control orders’.

o These powers complement a range of powers in state and territory legislation.

● A biosecurity officer may issue a control order if they are satisfied a person is showing symptoms of, or has been exposed to, a listed human disease (such as COVID-19). These orders can include a requirement to undergo a medical examination or remain isolated in a medical facility.

● If a person fails to comply with an order, they can be detained by police.

● It is an offence to disobey a human biosecurity control order (punishable by up to 5 years jail).

● In an extreme scenario, the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer may also declare a ‘human health response zone’ for an area or region (e.g. a building or town), with entry and exit restrictions to contain a biosecurity threat.

What is involved in a Human Biosecurity Emergency?

● On 18 March, the Governor-General considered the risks of COVID-19 in accepting the Commonwealth Government’s recommendation that he declare a “human biosecurity emergency” under the Biosecurity Act 2015.

● The National Cabinet noted that the commonwealth, states and territories were implementing emergency powers under respective legislation to deal with the spread of COVID-19 as quickly and flexibly as possible.

● The declaration – recommended by the Chief Medical Officer in his capacity as Director of Human Biosecurity – will allow the Health Minister to issue targeted, legally enforceable directions and requirements to combat the virus.

● The first emergency requirement under the declaration was to formally prohibit international cruise ships from entering Australian ports for an initial 30 days.

EDUCATION SECTOR Will schools be closed?

● It is no longer business as usual for our schools, as we adapt to the impact of COVID-19.

● We are now in a transition phase until the end of term as schools prepare for a new mode of operation following the school holidays.

● For principals, teachers and support staff, the next few months will bring incredible challenges for our education system. Leaders understand they need time to engage in the professional preparation and planning that is required to ensure that every child has access to education during this difficult time in a sustainable and effective manner for the rest of the 2020 school year.

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● Some states and territories have moved to pupil-free days already and each state and territory will come to their own transition arrangements with their workforce for the rest of this term.

● The medical advice remains that it is safe for children to go to school, but to assist with the transition underway in our schools, only children of workers for whom no suitable care arrangements are available at home to support their learning should physically attend school. This is vital to ensure that no parent should be forced to choose between their employment and their children’s education.

● National Cabinet understands the need for clear, nationally consistent health and safety advice and has asked the AHPPC to develop guidelines about how staff in schools can protect themselves, manage social distance requirements and cater for those students who are at school. This will include guidelines for staff who work with vulnerable children, particularly those who have additional needs.

● Education staff who identify as high risk, vulnerable or are caring for vulnerable family members will be supported to work from home.

● Leaders will continue to meet with education stakeholders and unions so that we can understand the education challenges for our communities and work constructively towards solutions. That will include the National Cabinet’s consideration of the measures needed for early childhood settings and TAFE.

How is the Government ensuring child care is available to families with parents at work?

● On 2 April, the Government announced around one million families will receive free child care during the coronavirus pandemic.

● This will help deliver hip pocket relief for families, while also ensuring as many child care and early learning services as possible remain viable.

● Under the plan, the Government will pay 50 per cent of the sector’s fee revenue up to the existing hourly rate cap – based on a point in time before parents began withdrawing their children in large numbers – but only so long as services remain open and do not charge families for care.

● The funding will apply from 6 April based on the number of children who were in care during the fortnight leading into 2 March, whether or not they are currently attending.

● Priority will be given to working parents, vulnerable and disadvantaged children who need early education more than ever, and parents with pre-existing enrolments.

● The plan provides funding certainty to early childhood education and care services at a time where enrolments and attendance are highly unpredictable.

● This, along with the JobKeeper payment, means services can offer free education and care.

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● This plan complements more than $1 billion we expect the sector to receive through our new JobKeeper payment to help ensure many of the 200,000 vital early education workforce can stay connected to services.

● The new system will see payments start flowing at the end of next week. The system will be reviewed after one month, with an extension to be considered after three months. The payments will be paid in lieu of the Child Care (CCS) and Additional Child Care Subsidy payments.

● Until the payments arrive, we are allowing services to waive gap fees for families who keep their children home, and families will be able to use the 20 extra absence days the government has funded for coronavirus-related reasons without giving up their place in a child care centre.

● The Government will also provide $453.2 million for preschools in 2021 to support almost 350,000 children to attend preschool. The funding injection comes on top of $3.2 billion that the Government has delivered for preschool education since 2014.

What do I do if I have already removed my child from child care?

● If you have terminated your child’s enrolment since 17 February, you are able to utilise this scheme.

● You are encouraged to contact your centre and re-start arrangements.

● Re-starting your enrolment will not require you to send your child to child care, or pay a gap fee.

● Re-starting your enrolment will hold your place until things start to normalise and you are ready to return your child to their centre.

What is the health advice on child care and early learning centres?

● On child care centres, the AHPPC has advised that “pre-emptive closures are not proportionate or effective as a public health intervention to prevent community transmission of COVID-19 at this time”. AHPPC also provided a series of risk mitigation measures for early learning and child care, including:

o Exclusion of unwell staff, children and visitors.

o Reducing mixing of children by separating cohorts (including the staggering of meal and play times).

o Enhanced personal hygiene for children, staff and parents.

o Full adherence to the NHMRC childcare cleaning guidelines.

o Excursions other than to local parks should be discouraged.

o Influenza vaccination for children, staff and parents.

● AHPPC also noted that “there may need to be consideration of alternative arrangements for highly vulnerable children” and recommended “these parents seek medical advice.”

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Will universities and other higher education facilities be closed?

● As advised by the AHPPC, university and higher education centres should undertake risk mitigation measures, including social distancing practices, online delivery and, where possible, working from home arrangements.

How is the Government supporting higher education?

● On 12 April, the Government announced a Higher Education Relief Package to support the sector and encourage reskilling in national priority areas, such as nursing, teaching, health, IT and science.

● Under this package, the cost to study short, online courses from universities and private providers will be slashed to help Australians retrain. The courses will start at the beginning of May and initially run for six months.

● The Government will also guarantee funding for universities at current levels, even if there is a fall in domestic student numbers, and provide greater flexibility in the use of these funds than ever before.

● Tertiary and international education providers will get regulatory fee relief so they can better support domestic and international students.

● The Government will also enable fee relief through the waiving of fees charged by the Australian Skills Quality Authority and the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency.

● These measures will put about $100 million back into the cash flow of Australian education and training businesses, which can be used to retain employees, reshape education offerings and support domestic and international students.

How is the Government supporting Australian students?

● The Government is working with the states and territories to limit the impacts of coronavirus in early childhood and care settings, and on school and university students and VET providers.

● A working group of education officials from the Commonwealth, states and territories, along with education industry stakeholders, has been established to support the National Coordination Mechanism (NCM). The working group is focused on pandemic preparedness in the education sector.

● All members have agreed that strong communication across jurisdictions and within sectors will be necessary and have committed to ongoing collaboration.

● Parents seeking the latest health advice should call the 24/7 National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. Those needing translation or interpreting services should call 131 450.

● Child care centres, schools and tertiary institutions should contact their state and territory health authorities in the first instance. Health authorities will be responsible for determining local responses, including operational issues such as facilities closing.

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What is the Government doing to limit the impacts on the education sector?

● The Government continues to work with education providers to minimise impacts on the sector and disruption to international students affected by travel restrictions.

o Education regulators, the Australian Skills Quality Authority and the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency have agreed to allow international students increased access to online and offshore delivery of Australian education services.

● The Global Reputation Taskforce of the Council for International Education, established in response to the bushfire crisis, has been expanded to include the challenges of COVID-19.

o The Taskforce comprises senior representatives from sector bodies and all states and territories.

● The Department of Education, Skills and Employment continues to distribute updated advice for students, parents and educators across all sectors based on the latest medical advice.

o Dedicated email and hotline – international.students@dese.gov.au or 1300 981 621 (9am to 5pm AEDST Monday to Friday).

o The Study in Australia website – www.studyinaustralia.gov.au

TOURISM AND TRADE

What is the Government doing to reduce the impact on the tourism sector?

● The need to restrict inbound international travel and limit domestic travel have inevitably had a serious impact on the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.

● As part of the economic plan, the Government is providing $1 billion to support sectors, regions and communities that are being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including those heavily reliant on industries such as tourism, agriculture and education.

● This $1 billion support includes:

o Waiving fees and charges for tourism businesses that operate in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Commonwealth National Parks.

o Providing additional assistance to help businesses identify alternative export markets or supply chains.

o Targeted measures to further promote domestic tourism when it is appropriate to do so.

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How is the Government providing assistance to exporters?

● On 15 April, the Government announced a new credit facility to help struggling exporters, particularly small and medium enterprises, access crucial finance to help them keep operating and reduce job losses.

● The new $500 million COVID-19 Export Capital Facility will help previously profitable Australian exporters who have been severely impacted by coronavirus.

● Exporters will be able to access loans from $250,000 to $50 million under the new Facility. It will complement other measures announced to enable banks to support new and existing clients.

● While many businesses have successfully negotiated new credit from commercial outlets, industry feedback reveals some exporters are struggling to secure finance. The Facility could provide the financing they need to continue operating and exporting their goods and services.

● The Facility will be administered by Export Finance Australia, the Government’s export credit agency. It provides financial expertise and solutions to Australian exporters. For more information, visit www.exportfinance.gov.au/covid19/

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY

What is the Government doing to reduce the impact on the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors?

● Agriculture, fisheries, forestry and fibre production and supply chain facilities are continuing through the current crisis.

● However, the operating environment will remain challenging as measures taken by all Australian governments take effect.

● Minister Littleproud is in constant dialogue with farming groups, the states and territories and supermarkets to make sure there’s food on the table for all Australians.

● The Government is providing $1 billion to support sectors, regions and communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including people and businesses heavily reliant on industries such as tourism, agriculture and education.

● Agriculture, fisheries and forestry businesses will get a boost from the extra support, helping to cushion the economic impact and build a bridge to recovery.

○ The Government will provide up to $100,000 to eligible small- and medium- sized businesses and not-for-profits that employ people, so they can keep operating, pay their bills and retain staff. Employers will receive a payment equal to 100 per cent of their salary and wages withheld, over two payments of between $10,000 and $50,000. These payments will happen automatically across this and the next financial quarters with no new forms required.

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○ Agriculture sector businesses are also expected to benefit from the increased instant asset write-off threshold as they continue to provide the food and fibre Australians rely on. The Government is increasing the threshold from $30,000 to $150,000 on a per-asset basis, and expanding access to include businesses with aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million) until 30 June 2020. This can help businesses replace older assets with more productive, energy-efficient and safer equipment.

○ The second stimulus package will also decrease taxes for businesses by accelerating depreciation deductions. Businesses with a turnover of less than $500 million will be able to deduct 50 per cent of the cost of an eligible asset on installation, with existing depreciation rules applying to the balance of the asset’s cost.

○ The COVID-19 payment supplement of an extra $550 per fortnight extends to those farmers already experiencing hardship and receiving the Farm Household Allowance.

● Those state and territory governments which have imposed border controls have recognised the importance of maintaining supply chains, and have exempted the provision of transport or freight and logistics from the 14-day interstate self-isolation requirements, subject to certain conditions. Contact your state or territory government for more information.

What changes are being made to support the agricultural workforce?

● The Government announced a number of visa changes on 4 April 2020 including key changes to agricultural visas:

○ Seasonal Workers, Pacific workers and other overseas workers (Working Holiday Makers) will be able to continue to work in agriculture and food processing, and will have the ability to seek an extension of up to 12 months on their visas.

○ Conditions on Working Holiday Makers will also be relaxed to allow them to work for the same agricultural employer for longer than 6 months.

● The visa extension involves requirements to ensure overseas workers moving to regional areas do not impact the health of regional communities.

○ Before moving to other parts of the country visa holders will be required to self-isolate for 14 days and register at the australia.gov.au website.

○ If overseas workers fail to comply with these requirements or broader social distancing requirements they will face visa cancellation.

● The National Farmers’ Federation also has developed guidelines for farm businesses on managing farm workers, including appropriate accommodation arrangements. These guidelines do not replace state and territory requirements.

● It is important to note that there will still be variations in what different states may require.

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● On 9 April, National Cabinet agreed that state and territory governments are responsible for:

○ The introduction and enforcement of self-isolation requirements to avoid the spread of coronavirus.

○ Applying sanctions where those requirements are not met and, where appropriate, referring concerns about visa holder compliance to the Department of Home Affairs for action.

○ Ensuring accommodation complies with self-isolation and social distancing requirements, in conjunction with local governments and the National Farmers Federation.

○ Seeking to harmonise these requirements as far as practical.

How are agricultural, fishery and forestry industries being engaged?

● On 23 March 2020, Mr Mark Tucker was appointed as the Senior Agriculture Industry Engagement Officer, focusing on coronavirus impacts and recovery.

● Mr Tucker will be the key liaison point for agriculture, fisheries and forestry stakeholders affected by COVID-19, and will work closely with the Coronavirus Business Liaison Unit, the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission, Australian Government departments and state and territory governments to ensure agriculture industry perspectives inform our decision-making. Mr Tucker can be contacted at coronavirus.industry@agriculture.gov.au.

● Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud is meeting regularly with Agriculture Ministers and key stakeholders across the country to manage the impact of measures implemented to address COVID-19.

What is the Government doing to support agricultural exporters?

● On 3 April, the Government announced a $170 million exporter support package to back Australia’s agricultural, fisheries and tourism exporters.

● Getting our export sector back on its feet is crucial to reducing job losses through the crisis and a critical part of the ultimate economic recovery.

● This package includes:

○ $110 million International Freight Mechanism to help get high-quality produce into key overseas markets through freight flights, with return flights to bring back vital medical supplies, medicines and equipment. Exporters looking to participate are asked to visit: https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/international-freight-assistance or call (02) 6272 2444.

○ Injecting an extra $49.8 million into the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program in the 2019-20 financial year for exporters and tourism

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businesses to get additional cost reimbursements from marketing their products and services around the world.

○ Around $10 million in Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) levies will be waived for all Commonwealth fishers, ensuring they do not have to pay Commonwealth levies for the rest of 2020.

● This package is part of the Government’s $1 billion Relief and Recovery Fund to support regions, communities and industry sectors that have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

ENERGY AND UTILITIES

What is the Government doing to help Australians in hardship pay their energy and utility bills?

● The Government has set reasonable expectations of energy companies to protect householders and small business customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

● We expect electricity and gas companies to implement these measures until at least 31 July 2020. This includes:

o Offering all households and small businesses that are in financial stress a payment plan or hardship arrangement.

o Waiving any disconnection, re-connection or contract break fees for small businesses that have gone into hibernation.

o Not disconnecting customers who may be in financial stress, without their agreement.

o Deferring referral of any customer to a debt collection agency for recovery actions or credit default listing.

o Minimising planned outages for critical works.

● We will be closely monitoring retailer and network compliance with these measures.

● Federal Government-owned Snowy Hydro, through their retail brands Red Energy and Lumo Energy, have implemented new policies to support impacted customers.

● Several major companies have also announced they will be taking steps to help their customers in financial stress.

● We now expect the other energy companies – both retailers and networks – to follow suit.

● On 9 April, National Cabinet agreed on further measures to enable state and territory governments to adopt similar principles for services within their remit, including water utilities and local government services.

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● The principles will also ensure accessing support for essential services is as simple and easy as possible. They specify that businesses eligible for the JobKeeper payment will automatically be considered to be under ‘financial stress’ for the purposes of accessing hardship arrangements.

● Those who can continue to pay their bills need to keep doing so - this is critical to ensuring the ongoing viability of essential services providers. But we need to ensure an appropriate safety net is in place for those experiencing financial stress.

How is the Government ensuring fuel security?

● There is no current risk to fuel supply in Australia as a result of COVID-19.

● We are monitoring the situation, ensuring we are well placed to address any issues.

● The Government is in daily contact with oil companies and the fuel retail sector to ensure the resilience of supply chains, and that appropriate workforce management systems are in place.

● We are also working with fuel retailers to make sure they are adequately prepared – and are providing a safe environment for both their staff and customers.

● Service station operators are working hard to ensure public surfaces are cleaned often to reduce the potential transmission of COVID-19.

● Australia's fuel supply has proven to be highly reliable, even during significant global and local disruptions.

If asked about stock in Australia:

● Australia held an average of 83 International Energy Agency days of stock over 2019, including stocks travelling to Australia.

DEFENCE & ADF CONTRIBUTION ● Defence has established a COVID-19 taskforce led by Lieutenant General John

Frewen DSC AM. The taskforce is coordinating Defence’s contributions to support whole-of-government action to address the impacts of COVID-19.

● Defence has provided a range of logistical and personnel support including:

o Supporting repatriations to Christmas Island and Howard Springs via RAAF bases Learmonth and Darwin.

o Providing health, logistics and movements support to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Border Force repatriation and care of Australian nationals.

o Supporting the Emergency Management Australia-led Whole-of-Government planning for the National Communicable Disease Incidence of National Significance Plan in response to COVID-19.

o Supporting the Department of Health with logistics and by providing specialist staff.

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● Defence is also developing options to provide ongoing support to Commonwealth and other state/territory agencies to work in step with priorities set by the National Coordination Mechanism.

How is the ADF supporting domestic production?

● The ADF is temporarily helping Australia’s only manufacturer of surgical face masks to help meet an increase in demand.

● This assistance will allow Med-Con Pty Ltd, a small manufacturer in regional Victoria, to increase production while it recruits more staff.

● A small team of highly qualified engineering maintenance specialists are working with the company’s existing staff on production, maintenance and warehousing tasks until the roles can be filled.

OTHER ISSUES Temporary changes to the foreign investment review framework

● The Treasurer has announced temporary changes to the foreign investment review framework. These are designed to protect Australia’s national interest as we deal with the economic implications of COVID-19.

● Effective 30 March 2020, all proposed foreign investments in Australia will require approval, regardless of value or the nature of the foreign investor.

● This is not an investment freeze. Australia is open for business and recognises investment at this time can be beneficial if in the national interest.

● The temporary change will be achieved by reducing to $0 the monetary screening thresholds for all foreign investments under the Act.

● By temporarily reducing the foreign investment thresholds, the Government will ensure appropriate oversight of all proposed foreign investment during this time.

● To ensure sufficient time for screening applications, the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) will be working with existing and new applicants to extend timeframes for reviewing applications – from 30 days to up to six months.

● These are temporary measures that will remain in place for the length of the crisis.

● The Treasurer will continue to review foreign investment proposals against the national interest on a case-by-case basis. Where appropriate, conditions will be applied to address identified risks on a non-discriminatory basis.

Recommendation on bulk purchase of supplies

● The National Cabinet has strongly endorsed the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee advice against the bulk purchase of foods, medicines and other goods.

● We strongly discourage the panic purchase of food and other supplies.

● Some advice has been provided to have a small addition of long shelf life products in case of illness. A range of mechanisms is in place to support people in self-isolation, including food and other deliveries.

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Action to prevent price gouging and exportation of critical sanitary and medical products

● The Government will take action to help prevent exploitative price gouging, and the export of products essential to preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19.

● These measures will help stop people buying goods including face masks, hand sanitiser and vital medicines and either re-selling them at significant mark-ups or exporting them overseas in bulk, removing them from the reach of Australians who need them.

● This action will not affect normal consumer buying of goods, commercial imports and exports, or other appropriate bulk sales.

● The ACCC has set up a team to investigate businesses profiteering from shortages, scamming consumers or refusing to give refunds.

● If consumers are concerned about price gouging, they should contact the ACCC on 1300 305 502 or visit www.accc.gov.au.

● They may also contact their state or territory Department of Fair Trading.

● On 1 April, the Government implemented measures to stop exploitative exports of essential goods.

● The Minister for Health has now made a determination under the Biosecurity Act 2015 to enable the Australian Border Force to require that goods already in their custody be surrendered for provision to the National Medical Stockpile, or destroyed if the goods are defective.

● This applies to essential goods currently in the custody of the Australian Border Force, and which were attempted to be exported between 30 January and 29 March 2020 as the COVID-19 crisis was unfolding. It does not apply to exports by legitimate businesses or humanitarian organisations.

● As a further step to address exploitative practices, the Health Minister is stopping people who have purchased essential goods from reselling them at extortionate prices.

● The Health Minister’s requirement prevents anybody who has bought essential retail goods on or after 30 January 2020, and for the length of the human biosecurity emergency period, from selling or offering to sell these goods at more than 120 per cent of the price paid.

● Where people have been found to be ‘price gouging’, they must surrender the essential goods to the Australian Federal Police for provision to the National Medical Stockpile. If defective, the goods will be destroyed.

● These measures will not apply to manufacturers or legitimate business activities, protecting key suppliers vital to maintaining Australia’s supply chains.

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Correctional Facilities

● On 20 March 2020, the National Cabinet agreed that each state and territory’s adult correction system would restructure personal prison visits to help manage the risk posed to prisoners and staff.

o This may include stopping visits in some jurisdictions.

Telecommunications

● Telecommunications is an essential service, and the Government is working closely with industry to help prevent disruption.

● NBN Co has offered to boost bandwidth to internet companies by an additional 40 per cent at no extra cost for an initial three months to avoid congestion on the network.

● This will ensure network speeds hold up as more Australians work from home and as kids are streaming entertainment in the school holidays.

● The Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts has established a special working group, chaired by NBN, to ensure emerging issues with telecommunications networks are quickly identified and resolved.

Cybersecurity

● The Government is working hard to protect Australians from COVID-19-related cyber threats.

● The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) is responding to an increase in COVID-19-related malicious cyber activity, such as phishing emails and fake websites.

● The ACSC, assisted by our law enforcement and industry partners, is working to disrupt and prevent this activity.

● All citizens, businesses and institutions should be extra vigilant regarding COVID-19-related communications.

● Visit the ACSC’s website www.cyber.gov.au for further cyber security information and advice.