Obligations suspended for more of NSW, all of Victoria as COVID hits

Mutual obligation requirements have been put on hold for Victoria and further regions of New South Wales.

The suspension of requirements for job seekers and participants in Victoria, as well as the Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, and Singleton local government areas of New South Wales will be in place until Tuesday 17 August.

“This means all mutual obligation requirements for affected job seekers and participants have been suspended — no compliance action will be taken and no one’s payment will be suspended,” the Department of Education, Skills and Employment said.

Text messages were being sent to those affected by the change, the department said.
A similar suspension of requirements remains in place until August 31 for participants in the Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong, and Shell Harbour regions of NSW.

Victoria has entered a seven-day lockdown because of new COVID-19 cases in the state. Lockdown has also been imposed in those areas of NSW listed above as that state tries to curb new infections.
Despite the suspension of obligation requirements, the federal government is reminding job seekers that looking for work remains a fundamental requirement.

You can access our services in a COVID-safe way by calling 132 848, or contacting us by web chat.