Media Release by Senator the Hon Anne Ruston
Suspension of mutual obligations requirements for Victoria
Joint Media Release with:
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business
The Morrison Government has suspended mutual obligation requirements for job seekers and participants in Victoria after the announcement of a five-day COVID-19 lockdown.
The suspension of mutual obligation requirements will be in place from today, Friday 16 July and will remain in place until Thursday, 22 July 2021 inclusive.
These arrangements will apply to job seekers in jobactive, Online Employment Services, Disability Employment Services and participants in ParentsNext who live or are serviced in Victoria.
Job seekers and participants in these areas will not face payment suspensions or financial penalties for failing to meet their mutual obligation requirements that are due, or are arranged to occur, during the suspension period.
Job seekers and participants in these areas are still encouraged to stay connected to employment services to ensure they are supported to access the full range of assistance, including mental health services if required. Job seekers should continue to check when their mutual obligation requirements are due after the temporary suspension ends.
Special Circumstances Exemptions continue to be available through Services Australia for job seekers who require them.
The Government will continue to closely monitor the situation in Victoria.
More information about mutual obligations requirements can be found at: https://www.dese.gov.au/covid-19/job-seekers