Previous news and updates
Published 20 April 2020 | Updated 6 May 2021
Find previous news and website updates relating to our information on coronavirus below. You can find the latest updates to our information on our homepage.
On this page:
April 2021
29 April 2021
‘COVID-19 – Next Steps for Your Business’ webinar
The ‘COVID-19 – Next Steps for Your Business’ webinar is livestreaming Wednesday 5 May, at 5pm AEST.
Join us, the ATO, ACCC, ASIC and the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman to hear about how our agencies can help your business face the next phase of the pandemic.
Panellists include:
- Our Fair Work Ombudsman, Sandra Parker
- Australian Taxation Office Deputy Commissioner Small Business, Deborah Jenkins
- ACCC Consumer Rights Deputy Chair, Mick Keogh
- ASIC Connect Commissioner, Danielle Press
- Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.
Register for the free event at Federal Regulatory Agency Group - Multi-agency Live Stream 
.
27 April 2021
End of lockdown for Perth and Peel areas in Western Australia
The Western Australian Government has eased some coronavirus restrictions for the Perth and Peel areas. This is after a temporary snap lockdown was introduced in April 2021 to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Read what the new rules are for affected areas at COVID-19 coronavirus – WA Government 
. This includes some ongoing restrictions for workplaces.
Our Managing the return to work and the workplace page has information on lifting stand downs, alternative work arrangements and workplace health and safety.
You can also visit When workplaces shut quickly because of a lockdown to find out what entitlements and obligations apply during a sudden lockdown.
23 April 2021
Coronavirus restrictions for Perth and Peel in Western Australia
The Western Australian Government has announced temporary restrictions for Perth and Peel to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
If your workplace is affected, find out more about your workplace entitlements and obligations. We have information on:
- stand downs
- working from home
- changes in working hours and duties
- taking care of a child
- border closures: pay and leave.
Visit When workplaces shut quickly because of a lockdown for more information.
9 April 2021
COVID-19 vaccinations and the workplace
We've expanded our information on COVID-19 vaccinations and the workplace. Access our updated pages:
We've also added information on public health orders requiring COVID-19 vaccinations, including for workers in Queensland affected by the Queensland Government's recent public health direction.
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 .
8 April 2021
Queensland public health direction – COVID-19 vaccination
On 31 March 2021, the Queensland Government issued a public health direction requiring COVID-19 vaccination for some workers. The direction affects:
- health service employees
- Queensland Ambulance Service employees
- hospital and health service contractors.
For more information, visit Queensland Health’s website:
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March 2021
30 March 2021
Extension of unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave flexibility in some awards
The Fair Work Commission has extended unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave flexibility in some awards until 31 December 2021. It was previously due to end on 29 March 2021.
The extension applies to 9 health awards and 57 other awards. Eligible employees covered by these awards can continue to access 2 weeks' unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave flexibility.
See our updated information at Unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave changes in awards.
29 March 2021
Coronavirus restrictions for Greater Brisbane
The Queensland Government has announced temporary restrictions for Greater Brisbane to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
From 5pm AEST on Monday 29 March 2021, Greater Brisbane will enter a 3-day lockdown. Schools will temporarily close from Tuesday 30 March 2021.
Wearing face masks in certain settings will also be mandatory for all of Queensland.
Keep updated on the restrictions and rules that apply at COVID-19 update – Queensland Government .
If your workplace has been affected, find out more about your workplace entitlements and obligations. We have information on:
- stand downs
- working from home
- changes in working hours and duties
- taking care of a child
- border closures: pay and leave.
Go to When workplaces shut quickly because of a lockdown for more information.
25 March 2021
Improvements to our coronavirus website
We've made some improvements to our coronavirus website. This is to make sure our information continues to be relevant, accessible and useful to you.
The changes include:
We've also added visual messaging to our JobKeeper information to ensure you know when the JobKeeper provisions apply until.
We welcome your feedback – please share your thoughts via our Feedback form.
16 March 2021
Temporary JobKeeper provisions finishing
The JobKeeper scheme finishes on Sunday 28 March 2021. We have information for employers and employees on what applies after this date including on:
- ending JobKeeper provisions, such as JobKeeper enabling directions
- returning employees to usual pay and conditions
- when employment ends
- other government support available.
Our information will apply to all participants of the JobKeeper scheme:
- qualifying employers and their employees
- legacy employers and their employees.
Read more at Temporary JobKeeper provisions finishing.
Temporary changes to the Live Performance Award
On 12 March 2021, the Fair Work Commission made a determination varying the Live Performance Award. The determination inserts a temporary subclause into the award that changes notice payments for employees when there's a failure to produce or present productions due to coronavirus.
The changes apply from 12 March 2021 until 12 March 2022.
Go to Changes to workplace laws during coronavirus for more information.
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February 2021
19 February 2021
COVID-19 vaccinations and the workplace
We have updated our COVID-19 vaccinations and the workplace page to include answers to common questions about different workplace issues and COVID-19 vaccinations. You’ll find answers to various questions including:
- Can an employer require an employee to be vaccinated?
- What happens if an employee refuses to be vaccinated?
- Can an employer take disciplinary action if an employee refuses to get vaccinated?
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 .
Visit Safe Work Australia’s website for information on specific coronavirus work health and safety issues, including industry specific guidance.
We will continue to update our information and guidance, and you are encouraged to check back regularly for updates.
17 February 2021
Coronavirus restrictions in Victoria
The Victorian Government has announced the easing of coronavirus restrictions across Victoria. These restrictions included the temporary closure of some workplaces.
If your workplace has been affected by the recent restrictions, find out more about your workplace entitlements and obligations at Information for Victorian workplaces.
Learn more about the rules that now apply for Victoria, including for workplaces, at Victorian Government Department of Health – Coronavirus .
1 February 2021
Annual Wage Review 2020 – 1.75% increase for Group 3 Awards pay rates
From 1 February 2021, minimum wages in the retail, accommodation, food services and a range of other industries increase by 1.75%. Find the new rates in our Pay Calculator.
Find out more at The Commission has announced a 1.75% increase to minimum wages.
Information for West Australian workplaces
We have information on your workplace rights and obligations if you’ve been affected by coronavirus restrictions in WA. Learn more at Information for West Australian workplaces.
Keep up to date on the coronavirus restrictions and rules that apply at WA Government – COVID-19 coronavirus
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January 2021
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.
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.
11 January 2021
Coronavirus restrictions for Greater Brisbane
On 8 January 2021, the Queensland Government introduced temporary restrictions for Greater Brisbane to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). These included the temporary closure of some workplaces.
Most of these restrictions ease from 6pm (AEST) Monday 11 January 2021, with new temporary measures in place for some workplaces.
If your workplace is affected by these measures, find out more about your workplace entitlements and obligations. We have information on:
Employers looking for advice on reopening a workplace after temporarily closing can use our Returning to the workplace – interactive employer tool.
Rules about wearing a face mask still apply for Greater Brisbane.
Keep updated on the restrictions and rules that apply at COVID-19 – Queensland .
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December 2020
21 December 2020
Coronavirus restrictions in New South Wales
The New South Wales Government has introduced temporary restrictions to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
If your business or workplace is affected by these restrictions, find out more about your workplace entitlements and obligations. We have information on:
Get more information at Information for NSW workplaces. Stay up to date on the coronavirus restrictions that apply at Health NSW – Covid-19 .
18 December 2020
Closure over Christmas and New Year period
Our office will be open with reduced staff over the Christmas and New Year period.
During this time, you’ll still have access to our online information and self-service tools to help you with any workplace questions you have.
Find out more at Our services over the Christmas and New Year period.
7 December 2020
Fair Work Ombudsman talks JobKeeper extension on ATO Tax InVoice Podcast
The Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker PSM has spoken with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on their Tax InVoice Podcast about the extension of the JobKeeper scheme.
The episode featuring Ms Parker offers a detailed look at the extension of the JobKeeper scheme, covering the extension of the JobKeeper provisions under the Fair Work Act and the creation of the legacy employer category.
Ms Parker explains how the Fair Work Ombudsman is working with the ATO to keep the JobKeeper scheme fair for everyone. The episode also covers where employers or employees can go for the right help when they need it.
Listen to the episode at ATO – TV .
4 December 2020
Temporary changes to Vehicle Award extended to 31 January 2021
The Fair Work Commission has extended Schedule I in the Vehicle Award. The Schedule provides increased flexibility to businesses covered by this award during coronavirus.
Schedule I now applies until 31 January 2021. Read our updated information at Vehicle Award changes during coronavirus page.
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November 2020
25 November 2020
Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy
The Australian Government has announced a Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy to support employers and Group Training Organisations (GTOs) employ new apprentices and trainees.
Learn more about the wage subsidy, employer eligibility and where to find our updated information at Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy.
19 November 2020
Temporary changes to Clerks Award extended again
The Fair Work Commission has extended Schedule I in the Clerks Award again. The temporary schedule provides increased workplace flexibility to employers and employees covered by this award during coronavirus. It now applies until 29 March 2021.
Read our updated information at Clerks Award flexibility during coronavirus.
Employee entitlements over Christmas and New Year break
Employees and employers looking for information on employee entitlements over the holiday period can learn more at Entitlements over the Christmas and New Year break. We cover off the rules and obligations that apply including:
- directing employees to take leave
- taking leave during a shut down (paid and unpaid)
- public holidays entitlements and obligations
- what applies under JobKeeper for the holiday period.
Find out more at Entitlements over the Christmas and New Year break.
18 November 2020
Coronavirus restrictions in South Australia
The South Australian Government has introduced temporary restrictions to help stop the spread of coronavirus. These restrictions include the temporary closures of workplaces and schools.
If your workplace has been affected by these restrictions, find out your workplace entitlements and obligations. We have information on:
- stand downs from work
- taking leave (unpaid and paid)
- quarantine and self-isolation pay and leave options
- taking care of a child
- alternative working arrangements.
Learn more at Information for South Australian workplaces.
Get more information and stay up to date on the coronavirus restrictions that apply at South Australian Government – COVID-19 .
6 November 2020
Returning to the workplace - a new interactive tool for employers
We've launched our Returning to the workplace - interactive employer tool to help employers get their businesses back up and running during coronavirus.
The tool gives tailored information to employers on returning to the workplace, scaling up operations and adapting to workplace changes. It can help to find the information you need when:
- transitioning employees back to the workplace, including lifting a stand down
- changing employees’ hours, duties or work location
- introducing alternative working options for staff
- keeping up to date with changes to workplace laws.
Use the Returning to the workplace - interactive employer tool now.
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October 2020
30 October 2020
Unpaid pandemic leave and award flexibility extended in Health Awards
The Fair Work Commission has extended unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave at half pay in 9 awards in the health sector.
These are provided by Schedule X in the awards. Leave taken under Schedule X now needs to start by 29 March 2021.
Schedule X applies in these awards until a further order is issued by the Fair Work Commission.
See our updated information on Unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave changes in awards.
Paid pandemic leave extended for residential aged care employees
The Fair Work Commission has extended access to paid pandemic leave for residential aged care employees covered by the:
- Aged Care Award
- Nurses Award
- Health Professionals Awards.
The entitlement now operates until 29 March 2021.
Go to Paid pandemic leave in some awards for more information.
29 October 2020
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment available to some Qld. and SA workers
The Australian Government has extended the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment to include eligible workers who live in Queensland and South Australia.
People who live in Queensland and South Australia are now eligible for the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment if they can’t work because of reasons relating to coronavirus and meet other criteria.
For more information about the payment and how to claim it, visit Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment on Services Australia's website.
13 October 2020
Face masks in Victoria
The Victorian Government now requires all Victorians to wear a fitted face mask when they leave home (with limited exceptions). This includes in workplaces. Looser face coverings are no longer permitted, such as bandanas or scarves.
We’ve updated our Information for Victorian workplaces and our Protecting employees and customers during coronavirus pages as a result.
Learn more about face mask requirements in Victoria on the Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services – Face masks page.
7 October 2020
Annual Wage Review 2020 – 1 November increase
Minimum wages in the next group of awards increase from 1 November. The Fair Work Commission has announced they will be issuing the updated Group 2 awards on 31 October 2020. Find out which awards are in Group 2 and how it affects you at The Commission has announced a 1.75% increase to minimum wages. You can subscribe to get email updates and we’ll let you know when the new minimum rates are available in our pay tools.
1 October 2020
Extension of unpaid pandemic leave in many awards
The Fair Work Commission has extended unpaid pandemic leave to 29 March 2021 in many awards.
Eligible employees covered by these awards can access 2 weeks’ unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave flexibility until 29 March 2021.
Go to Unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave changes to awards to see if your award is affected and to read our updated information.
Temporary changes to Vehicle Award and Clerks Award extended to 30 November 2020
The Fair Work Commission has extended Schedule I in the Vehicle Award and the Clerks Award. The Schedules provide increased flexibility to businesses covered by these awards during coronavirus and now apply until 30 November 2020. Read our updated information:
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September 2020
25 September 2020
Extension of the Fair Work Act JobKeeper provisions
Qualifying employers
We’ve updated our information for qualifying employers about the extended JobKeeper scheme. These are employers that qualify for the JobKeeper scheme and receive payments for their eligible employees. Read our updated information at:
Legacy employers
We’ve added new information for legacy employers about pay, leave and ending employment. Find out more at Pay, leave and ending employment for legacy employers.
Tools and resources
We’ve updated our Tools and resources during coronavirus page with new and updated templates for qualifying and legacy employers.
23 September 2020
Fair Work Regulations amended as part of JobKeeper extension
On 19 September 2020, the Fair Work Regulations were amended to support certain parts of the extension of the JobKeeper scheme for legacy employers. The new Regulations relate to:
- the relationship between the 10% decline in turnover test for legacy employers and the actual decline in turnover test for qualifying employers
- how certain employees’ ordinary hours of work are calculated in order for legacy employers to issue a JobKeeper enabling stand down direction.
You can read our updated information at:
21 September 2020
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment available to some WA and NSW workers
The Australian Government has extended the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment to include eligible workers who live in New South Wales and Western Australia.
People who live in New South Wales and Western Australia are now eligible for the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment if they can’t work because of reasons relating to coronavirus and meet other criteria.
For more information about the payment and how to claim it, visit Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment on Services Australia's website.
16 September 2020
Extension of JobKeeper provisions in the Fair Work Act
We’ve added new pages about legacy employers under the extended JobKeeper scheme. Some employers who don’t qualify for JobKeeper payments anymore can continue to use some of the flexibility JobKeeper provisions in the Fair Work Act (with some changes). See:
We've also created a 10% decline in turnover template certificate for legacy employers, with other template documents being published soon. We encourage you to check back regularly for updates.
You can also subscribe to email updates and we’ll let you know when we’ve updated all of our information.
14 September 2020
Financial support announced for Victorian businesses
On 13 September 2020, the Victorian Government announced financial support for Victorian businesses affected by coronavirus. The financial support includes cash grants, deferral of some payroll taxes and waivers for some business fees.
Find out more at the Victorian Government – Business Victoria website .
You can learn more about your workplace rights and obligations if you’ve been affected by restrictions in Victoria at Information for Victorian workplaces.
7 September 2020
Victorian Government releases roadmap out of coronavirus restrictions
On 6 September 2020, the Victorian Government released its roadmap out of current coronavirus restrictions. This included announcements about the easing of restrictions for some workplaces. Learn more at:
Employers and employees needing information and advice about their workplace rights and obligations can go to Information for Victorian workplaces.
3 September 2020
Paid Pandemic Leave Scheme in South Australia
The South Australian Government has introduced a Paid Pandemic Leave Scheme for workers who don’t have access to paid sick leave and can’t work for reasons relating to coronavirus.
See South Australia – Paid Pandemic Leave Scheme for more information and to check eligibility.
1 September 2020
Extension of JobKeeper provisions in the Fair Work Act
On 1 September 2020, legislation to extend the JobKeeper scheme passed Parliament. As part of this, the JobKeeper provisions in the Fair Work Act were also extended with some changes. The extended provisions take effect from 28 September 2020. The last day that they apply is 28 March 2021.
We’re currently updating the information on this website and encourage you to check back regularly for updates. In the meantime, read more at Extension of JobKeeper provisions in the Fair Work Act. You can also subscribe to email updates and we’ll let you know when we’ve updated our information.
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August 2020
31 August 2020
Temporary changes to Vehicle Award extended to 30 September 2020
The Fair Work Commission has extended Schedule I in the Vehicle Award. The Schedule provides increased flexibility to businesses covered by the award during coronavirus, and now applies until 30 September 2020. Read our updated information on Vehicle Award changes during coronavirus.
Unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave flexibility reinserted into Surveying Award
The Fair Work Commission has reinserted temporary Schedule X into the Surveying Award.
Schedule X allows eligible employees under these awards to access 2 weeks’ unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave flexibility. It originally stopped applying from 30 June 2020.
The Schedule now applies from the first pay period that starts on or after 28 August 2020 until 31 October 2020.
Go to Unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave changes to awards for more information on Schedule X provisions.
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment available to some NSW and SA workers
The Australian Government has extended the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment to include eligible workers who live in NSW or South Australia and work in Victoria.
People who live in NSW or SA and work in Victoria are now eligible for the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment if they can’t work because of reasons relating to coronavirus.
For more information about the payment and how to claim it, visit Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment on Services Australia's website.
27 August 2020
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment available for Tasmanian workers
The Australian Government has extended the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment to include some Tasmanian workers. Previously, it was only available to eligible Victorian workers.
Tasmanian workers that qualify can apply for the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment if they can’t work because of reasons relating to coronavirus.
For more information about the payment and how to claim it, visit Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment on Services Australia's website.
12 August 2020
Unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave flexibility added to construction industry awards
The Fair Work Commission has inserted temporary Schedule X into the Building and Construction Award, Joinery Award and Mobile Crane Award.
Schedule X allows eligible employees under these awards to access 2 weeks’ unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave flexibility. It applies from the first pay period that starts on or after 11 August 2020 until 30 September 2020.
Go to Unpaid pandemic leave & annual leave changes in awards for more information on Schedule X provisions.
7 August 2020
Changes to JobKeeper eligibility
On 7 August 2020, the Australian Government announced some changes to eligibility rules for the JobKeeper scheme. More information about these eligibility changes and extension of JobKeeper is available on Treasury’s JobKeeper extension page.
We've updated the information on this website. You can also sign up for email updates about the extension of the JobKeeper scheme.
6 August 2020
Added:
- We’ve added a new Tools and resources during coronavirus page with helpful resources for your workplace during coronavirus. This includes templates for employers (including those accessing the JobKeeper scheme) and videos busting common workplace myths about work during coronavirus.
Flexibility in the Real Estate Award during coronavirus
The Fair Work Commission has varied the Real Estate Award by adding a new Schedule I. The new schedule temporarily changes the rules for commission-only arrangements and the calculation of an employee’s Minimum Income Threshold Amount.
For more information, see Real Estate Award flexibility during coronavirus.
5 August 2020
Work permits required for some Victorian employees
Victorian workplaces that are allowed to stay open during new restrictions need to make sure that all employees who are required to work on-site are given a valid work permit by their employer.
To learn more about work permits and how to issue them, go to the Victorian Department of Justice and Community Safety website – Permitted worker scheme .
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment
The Australian Government has announced a new Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment, available from Wednesday, 5 August 2020. As a disaster payment, it only applies in Victoria, which is in a state of disaster. It’s available to eligible Victorian workers who don’t have paid sick leave. For more information about the payment including how to claim it, visit Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment on Services Australia's website.
You can also keep up-to-date with coronavirus news and support at Australia.gov.au .
3 August 2020
Information for Victorian workplaces impacted by new restrictions
If your workplace has been affected by restrictions in Victoria, we have information about your workplace entitlements and obligations. This includes alternative work arrangements, taking care of a child, pay and leave, and stand downs at work. Find out more at Information for Victorian workplaces.
Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award flexibility during coronavirus – expiry of Schedule J
Schedule J in the Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award stopped applying from 1 August 2020. This means that employers and employees can no longer use the temporary flexibility provisions in Schedule J for changes to full-time and part-time employees’ hours of work, or employees’ classifications and duties.
Go to Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award flexibility during coronavirus for more information about these changes and what applies now.
Fast Food Award flexibility during coronavirus – expiry of Schedule H
Schedule H in the Fast Food Award stopped applying from 31 July 2020. This means that employers and employees can no longer use the temporary flexibility provisions in Schedule H for changes to part-time work or annual leave.
Go to Fast Food Award flexibility during coronavirus for more information about these changes and what applies now.
1 August 2020
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July 2020
31 July 2020
Unpaid pandemic leave and award flexibility extended in Health Awards
The Fair Work Commission has varied Schedule X in 9 awards in the health sector.
Schedule X provides unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave at half pay. Any leave taken under Schedule X now needs to start by 29 October 2020.
Schedule X applies in these awards until a further order is issued by the Fair Work Commission.
See our updated information on Unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave changes in awards.
Temporary changes to Vehicle Award extended to 31 August 2020
The Fair Work Commission has extended Schedule I in the Vehicle Award. The extended provisions of Schedule I now apply until 31 August 2020.
Read our updated information on Vehicle Award changes during coronavirus.
29 July 2020
Paid pandemic leave for residential aged care employees
The Fair Work Commission has added an entitlement to paid pandemic leave for residential aged care employees covered by the Aged Care, Nurses and Health Services Awards. The new entitlement starts from the first pay period on or after 29 July 2020, is up to 2 weeks’ paid leave on each occasion, and is available for 3 months.
Go to Paid pandemic leave in some awards for more information.
28 July 2020
Unpaid pandemic leave extended in 4 retail industry awards
The Fair Work Commission has extended Schedule X until 30 September 2020 for the following retail industry awards:
- Fast Food Award
- Hair and Beauty Award
- Retail Award
- Storage Services Award.
Schedule X gives eligible employees 2 weeks’ unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave flexibility.
Check our updated information on Unpaid pandemic leave & annual leave changes in awards.
27 July 2020
Unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave flexibility reinserted into Manufacturing and Graphic Arts Awards
The Fair Work Commission has reinserted Schedule X into the Manufacturing Award and Graphic Arts Award after it expired on 30 June 2020. The reinstated Schedule X operates from the first pay period on or after 27 July 2020 until 30 September 2020.
This means eligible employees under these awards can now access 2 weeks’ unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave flexibility from the first pay period on or after 27 July 2020 until 30 September 2020.
Go to Unpaid pandemic leave & annual leave changes in awards for more information.
22 July 2020
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21 July 2020
Extension of the JobKeeper Scheme
On 21 July 2020, the Australian Government announced their intention to extend the JobKeeper scheme until 28 March 2021, with some changes from 28 September 2020 to the eligibility criteria and payment amounts. The current scheme will remain in place until 28 September 2020.
More information about the extension and changes announced on 21 July 2020 is available in Treasury’s Extension of the JobKeeper Payment fact sheet .
We’ll update our website when more information is available and encourage you to check back for updates. You can also sign up for email updates.
20 July 2020
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16 July 2020
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15 July 2020
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10 July 2020
Restrictions in Victoria
The Victorian Government has announced changed restrictions in response to the spread of coronavirus in Victoria. These new restrictions are now in place across certain parts of Victoria, and in some situations they replace previous restrictions issued for the state (including stay at home orders for some specific addresses within Flemington and North Melbourne).
See the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services restriction levels page for up to date information about current restrictions, including where and how they operate.
If your work or workplace is affected by these restrictions, you can find information about your workplace rights and responsibilities:
Border closures and restrictions
Due to the spread of coronavirus some state and territory borders have closures and restrictions in place for residents of Victoria. While these closures are in place, workers may not be able to attend work as usual.
For more information on border crossing closures and restrictions, check information for your state and territory through the Australia.gov.au website .
Find information about workplace rights and responsibilities:
3 July 2020
Extension of unpaid pandemic leave
The Fair Work Commission has extended unpaid pandemic leave in many awards. There are different end dates for Schedule X (which has the unpaid pandemic leave provisions) in each award.
Go to Unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave changes to awards for more information.
1 July 2020
Extension of temporary award flexibility for Clerks Award
The Fair Work Commission has extended and changed Schedule I in the Clerks Award.
The new Schedule I now applies until 30 September 2020. Go to Clerks Award flexibility during coronavirus for more information.
Annual Wage Review 2020
The Fair Work Commission has announced a 1.75% increase to minimum wages following its 2020 Annual Wage Review.
The increase applies to awards in 3 stages, with the first group starting from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2020. This group includes frontline health care and social assistance workers, teachers and child care employees, other essential services and the National Minimum Wage.
You can find the new rates for the first group of awards in our Pay and Conditions Tool and Pay Guides. If you’re using the calculator, just set the date to 1 July 2020 or after.
Find out more and check which group your award is in: The Commission has announced a 1.75% increase to minimum wages.
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June 2020
30 June 2020
Extension of some temporary award flexibility provisions
The Fair Work Commission has extended temporary award flexibility provisions in some awards that were due to end on 30 June 2020.
The affected awards are:
- Hospitality Award – Schedule J now applies until 27 September 2020 and there have been some changes to the provisions
- Restaurant Award – Schedule I now applies until 27 September 2020 and there have been some changes to the provisions
- Vehicle Award – Schedule I now applies until 31 July 2020 and there have been some changes to the provisions.
These awards were temporarily varied by the Fair Work Commission to add award flexibility because of the impacts of coronavirus.
For more information about the changes, go to
25 June 2020
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22 June 2020
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19 June 2020
Annual Wage Review 2020
The Fair Work Commission has announced a 1.75% increase to minimum wages. This will apply to all award wages.
Increases to award wages start on 3 different dates for different groups of awards. Find out more at The Commission has announced a 1.75% increase to minimum wages.
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16 June 2020
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12 June 2020
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10 June 2020
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4 June 2020
Updated:
- We updated information about overpayments and the JobKeeper scheme on:
3 June 2020
Updated:
- We updated information about taking sick and carer’s leave during stand downs (including JobKeeper enabling stand down directions) on:
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May 2020
29 May 2020
Added:
- We’ve added a new page Returning to work and the workplace, with information about planning and managing the return to work, including lifting stand downs, alternative working arrangements and directing employees to return to the workplace.
- We’ve added a new page Quarantine & self-isolation: pay & leave options, with information about paid and unpaid leave options for employees if they need to quarantine or self-isolate because of coronavirus.
27 May 2020
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- We’ve added a search function to help you find the information you need.
22 May 2020
Added:
Updated:
- We added examples to our Leave & the JobKeeper scheme page to illustrate:
- interaction of leave periods with JobKeeper stand down directions
- accrual of leave during a JobKeeper stand down.
- We added examples to our Pay & the JobKeeper scheme page to illustrate:
- requests for secondary employment
- how directions and JobKeeper payments affect other minimum entitlements
- public holiday pay.
20 May 2020
Added:
- We’ve added a new page Resolving workplace issues during coronavirus. It has links to resources to help you with resolving workplace issues, explains how to ask for help, and has information about disputes and enforcement relating to the JobKeeper scheme.
- We’ve added our website translator to this website. You can now use the translator to read some pages in your language, including our JobKeeper wage subsidy section. More pages on this website will be available to translate soon.
19 May 2020
Added:
- We’ve added templates to our JobKeeper enabling stand down directions page and Stand down during coronavirus page that employers can use if they need to stand down employees. They include:
- a letter to notify an employee of a JobKeeper enabling stand down
- a template to issue an employee with a JobKeeper enabling stand down
- a template to issue a stand down for employers not accessing the JobKeeper scheme.
13 May 2020
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12 May 2020
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11 May 2020
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8 May 2020
Updated:
- We updated the guidance about how an eligible employee is paid under the JobKeeper scheme on:
7 May 2020
Updated:
- We updated the guidance for employers about giving a JobKeeper enabling direction on:
6 May 2020
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5 May 2020
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1 May 2020
We’ve updated our information about the JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme and the Fair Work Act JobKeeper provisions, including:
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April 2020
28 April 2020
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24 April 2020
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23 April 2020
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22 April 2020
Updated:
- We added information about the interaction between the JobKeeper provisions under the Fair Work Act and award flexibility provisions to the following pages:
21 April 2020
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20 April 2020
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17 April 2020
Updated:
15 April 2020
Updated Australian Capital Territory enforceable government direction on:
14 April 2020
Updated:
9 April 2020
Added:
8 April 2020
Added:
7 April 2020
Updated:
6 April 2020
Updated:
Added:
3 April 2020
Updated:
2 April 2020
1 April 2020
- The Australian Government has announced its intention to pass legislation to introduce wage subsidies for businesses that are significantly affected by COVID-19. It is called the JobKeeper payment and is intended to be paid directly to employers by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), who then provide the payment to their employees. Employers can register their interest at Australian Taxation Office – JobKeeper payment .
Updated:
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March 2020
31 March 2020
- On 31 March 2020 the Fair Work Commission made a determination to vary the Restaurant Award. The new Schedule applies from 31 March to 30 June 2020. The changes improve award flexibility during the outbreak of coronavirus for classifications and duties, hours of work for full-time and part-time employees and annual leave. Find out more: Restaurant Award flexibility during outbreak of coronavirus.
30 March 2020
- On 25 March 2020, the New South Wales Government amended the state’s Long Service Leave Act to allow for greater flexibility during the outbreak of coronavirus. For more information, visit the NSW State Government website .
Updated:
28 March 2020
- On 28 March 2020 the Fair Work Commission made a determination to vary the Clerks Award. The new Schedule I applies from 28 March to 30 June 2020. The changes improve award flexibility during the outbreak of coronavirus for classifications and duties, hours of work for full-time and part-time employees and annual leave. Find out more: Clerks Award flexibility during outbreak of coronavirus.
Updated:
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