Coronavirus Update - Stage 3 Restrictions
After last night's meeting of the National Cabinet, the Prime Minister announced that all States and Territories would move to implement Stage 3 social isolation measures.
From tonight, under these new measures, gatherings in public spaces will now be limited to two people, excluding family members. Exceptions to this limit include the following:
- People of the same household going out together;
- Funerals - a maximum of 10 people;
- Weddings - a maximum of 5 people;
- Family units.
Public playgrounds, skate parks and boot camps will be closed from tomorrow. It is advised that you should stay at home except for the following reasons:
- Shopping to get essentials;
- Medical appointments;
- Work (if you are unable to work from home);
- Study; or
- Exercise
Individual State and Territory Governments are responsible for the implementation of these measures and in Victoria, on-the-spot fines of $1,652 for individuals and $9,913 for businesses can be issued by Victoria Police for breaches of these directions.
It is also recommended that older Australians stay home and self-isolate. This includes those aged 70 years and over as well as those over 60 with a history of respiratory illness.
Further information about what's included in the Stage 3 restrictions can be found by clicking here.
Wage subsidies to keep workers in jobs
Last week, we enacted a range of economic measures totalling $189 billion to support Australians at this time.
Further to this, today, the Prime Minister and the Treasurer announced that the Government will provide a wage subsidy that will benefit more than six million workers. The $130 billion JobKeeper programme will provide a flat payment of $1,500 per fortnight through employers and will be open to eligible businesses that receive a significant financial hit caused by the coronavirus.
The payment will provide the equivalent of around 70 per cent of the national median wage and will ensure eligible employers and employees stay connected while some businesses move into hibernation.
A fact sheet containing further information for employees about what this means for you is available by clicking here. Further information for employers about what this means for your business is availablehere.
Where to find more information
For health information, the National Coronavirus Health Information Line remains the best source of information for concerned members of the community and can be reached by calling 1800 020 080.
Further online information about how the Government is responding to the health and economic challenges Australia now faces can be found by visiting australia.gov.au.
We have also launched a new Coronavirus Australia app that can be downloaded on Apple and Android devices as well as an update service on the WhatsApp messaging platform. This can be accessed by entering aus.gov.au/whatsapp into your internet browser.
Please don't hesitate to be in touch if I can be of any assistance with this or any other questions you may have at this time.
Best regards
The Hon Michael Sukkar MP
Federal Member for Deakin
Minister for Housing & Assistant Treasurer