Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws
We're here to help you understand your rights and responsibilities at work during the impact of coronavirus.
The information on this website covers workplace laws, obligations and entitlements for:
- employers and employees affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
- employers and employees who previously participated in the JobKeeper scheme (qualifying employers, legacy employers and eligible employees)
- employers and employees covered by awards varied by the Fair Work Commission during coronavirus (such as the Vehicle Award).
We encourage employees and employers to work together to find solutions that suit their individual workplaces and circumstances.
Check out our News and updates section to see what's been updated recently.
Temporary JobKeeper provisions finishing
In this section, you’ll find:
COVID-19 vaccinations and the workplace
In this section, you’ll find:
Returning to work and the workplace
In this section, you’ll find:
Pay, leave and stand downs
In this section, you’ll find:
Health and safety in the workplace
In this section, you’ll find:
Alternative work arrangements
In this section, you’ll find:
Ending employment and redundancy
In this section, you’ll find:
When workplaces shut quickly because of a lockdown
In this section, you’ll find:
Changes to workplace laws during coronavirus
In this section, you’ll find:
Changes to workplace laws that apply now:
Changes to workplace laws that no longer apply:
In this section, you’ll find:
News and updates
11 May 2021
WA public health direction for COVID-19 vaccination
The Western Australian (WA) Government has issued public health directions preventing quarantine centre workers from entering or remaining at a quarantine centre if they haven’t been vaccinated against COVID-19. The directions came into effect from 10 May 2021.
The directions affect those working within WA’s hotel quarantine system including:
- security personnel, cleaners and hotel staff
- medical and health staff
- ADF personnel and WA police.
You can access the public health directions at WA Government – Access to Quarantine Centres Directions 
.
Read our updated information at COVID-19 vaccinations and the workplace.
10 May 2021
New COVID-19 vaccinations workplace information
We've added new information on COVID-19 vaccinations and the workplace. New issues covered include:
- using sick leave for COVID-19 vaccinations
- travel costs and taking time off work for vaccination appointments
- consultation requirements for workplace policies and COVID-19 vaccinations.
Go to COVID-19 vaccinations: workplace rights and obligations to read our new FAQs.
We'll continue to update our information and you're encouraged to check back regularly for updates.
The Department of Health has comprehensive information on COVID-19 vaccines and the rollout plans for the Australian community. See Department of Health – COVID-19 vaccines .
Previous news and updates
To view a list of previous updates to our website, go to our Previous news and updates page.
About our information
We'll continue to update the information on our website as the situation develops and as needed. The information provided is current as at the time of the last update. It is not legal advice but represents the views of the Fair Work Ombudsman based on the best available information. We encourage you to regularly check this page for more information.