LOCATIONS

Activities and appointments: mutual obligations update

From Monday 28 September, mutual obligation requirements become mandatory for all job seekers, except if you are living in Victoria.

We are here to support you through these changes. We understand that everyone’s needs and circumstances are different.

Our doors in New South Wales and Tasmania are open to help you for all activities and appointments. You can still talk to us on the phone, via email or online and, if you prefer, can opt-in for a face-to-face visit. We have in place a COVID‑19 safe plan to ensure the safety of our staff and visitors.

The option to opt-in for face-to-face appointments and activities, gives you and us flexibility in choosing the support you need during your job search, because your personal circumstances and preferences differ to everyone else.

If you do not opt-in to face-to-face visits/servicing you must still meet your mutual obligation requirements through participation online. There are grounds for an exemption, ask us.

To help you complete your mutual obligation requirements, you must

  • participate in appointments and activities (opt-in to face-to-face servicing or talk to us on the phone/online)
  • review and agree to a JobPlan
  • conduct eight job searches, monthly
  • accept suitable paid work.

In Victoria, mutual obligations remain suspended. This means no penalties or suspensions will apply during your job search. As per state government guidelines, all our Victorian branches remain closed. If you’d like to stay in touch, remember you can phone, email or talk to us online. If you live in a regional area and need to see us face-to-face, let us know as there are exceptional circumstances for these appointments.

We want to help you find and keep a job. We have employers looking to recruit people for positions in a wide range of industries today.

Phone us on 132 848 or contact us online.

Stay informed and protected

Remember, you must follow government health advice and self-isolate if you have COVID‑19. If you believe you may have contracted COVID‑19, or been in contact with someone who has, you must also self-isolate and get tested.

Let us know by phone, not in person, so we know why you cannot attend an appointment or activity. We can then reschedule any appointments or activities until your self-isolation is completed in line with advice from health authorities.

You should also contact Centrelink by phone, not in person, to let them know about the need to self-isolate. Contact Centrelink to discuss an exemption:

  • JobSeeker Payment and Special Benefit recipients can phone 132 850.
  • Youth Allowance recipients can phone 132 490.
  • Parenting Payment recipients with mutual obligation requirements can phone 136 150.

Latest COVID-19 health advice

Stay up to date with Australian Government Department of Health advice about the COVID‑19 pandemic, as well as any advice provided by state or local authorities.

The Department of Health has a range of information about COVID‑19, including how to protect yourself, when and how to isolate, if required, as well as health updates and alerts.

What is self-isolation?

Self-isolation is when you must self-quarantine at home and don’t attend work, school or public places. COVID-19 requires a self-isolation period of 14 days.

If you are in self-isolation:

  • do not go to public places, such as work, school, shopping centres, childcare or university
  • ask someone to get food and other necessities for you and leave them at your front door
  • do not let visitors in — only people who usually live with you should be in your home
  • you do not need to wear a mask in your home, but do wear one if you need to seek medical attention
  • stay in touch by phone and online with your family and friends

Further information is available on the Department of Health website.

Disability information

If you need support in a language other than English, help is available. You can phone:

  • Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787 and ask for an interpreter
  • Translating and Interpreting Services on 131 450
  • Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787

Visit www.dss.gov.au/disabilityhelp for more details.

Taking care of your mental health and family resources

The COVID-19 pandemic is a stressful and uncertain time for all Australians. Seeking work or being at home because of job loss can create additional risks to mental health, or there may be an increased risk for some experiencing family violence or abuse. Additional resources can be found at:

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