Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws
We’re here to help you understand your rights and responsibilities at work during the impact of coronavirus.
We encourage employees and employers to work together to find solutions that suit their individual workplaces and circumstances.
The information on this website covers workplace laws, obligations and entitlements for:
- employers and employees affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
- employers and employees participating in the JobKeeper scheme (qualifying employers and eligible employees)
- employers and employees who previously participated in the JobKeeper scheme (legacy employers and eligible employees).
Check our News and updates section to see what's been updated recently.
Returning to work & the workplace
In this section, you’ll find:
Pay & leave during coronavirus
In this section, you’ll find:
JobKeeper scheme
In this section, you’ll find:
Temporary changes to workplace laws
In this section, you’ll find:
Health & safety in the workplace
In this section, you’ll find:
Alternative working arrangements
In this section, you’ll find:
Stand downs
In this section, you’ll find:
Ending employment & redundancy
In this section, you’ll find:
In this section, you’ll find:
Other government information & assistance
In this section, you’ll find:
Help in your language during coronavirus
In this section, you’ll find:
In this section, you’ll find:
News and updates
26 January 2021
COVID-19 vaccinations & the workplace
We've added new information about the interaction between COVID-19 vaccinations and workplace relations issues. Visit COVID-19 vaccinations & the workplace for more information.
25 January 2021
Annual Wage Review 2020 – 1 February increase
From 1 February 2021, new minimum wages in the retail, hospitality, food services and other industries come into effect. Find out more at The Commission has announced a 1.75% increase to minimum wages.
19 January 2021
JobMaker Hiring Credit scheme
The Australian Government has introduced the JobMaker Hiring Credit scheme as an incentive for businesses to employ job seekers between the ages of 16 and 35 years.
The scheme is administered by the Australian Taxation Office and is available for eligible employers from 7 October 2020 until 6 October 2022. Eligibility rules apply.
Go to JobMaker Hiring Credit scheme for more information about the scheme and how to apply.
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.