Important update: From 1st December 2020, Libryo stopped updating this blog and it is no longer live. Check out Libryo’s solution which helps you keep track of the latest updates specific to your operations, from COVID-19 regulation to EHS law. Learn more here.
Libryo was using its regulatory tracking technology to keep this live blog of new law relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic. Any new updates provided highlights of the legislation, key publication information and dates as well as links to the sources.
Live updates of COVID-19 regulations for Australia
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Last Updated: Monday 23 November 2020
Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 5) Amendment Order (No 3) 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research has issued an Order to restrict gathering and movement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Gazette Number:n2020-4578
Notice Number: 332
Publication Date: 20 November 2020
Effective Date: 23 November 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-332.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Public Health (COVID-19 Air Transportation and Maritime Quarantine) Amendment Order (No 3) 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research has issued an Order to make amendments and provide for transitional arrangements due to the repeal of the Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Order (No 2) 2020.
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Gazette Number: 331
Notice Number: 4577
Publication Date: 19 November 2020
Effective Date: 23 November 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-331.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Friday 20 November 2020
Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control— South Australia) Order 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research has made an Order relating to entry into New South Wales in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Gazette Number: 2020-497.d10
Notice Number: 497 d.10
Publication Date: 18 November 2020
Effective Date: 19 November 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-320.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Friday 23 October 2020
Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 5) Amendment Order (No 2) 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research has issued an order that outlines COVID-19 restrictions on gathering and movement.
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Gazette Number: n2020-4321
Notice Number: 286
Publication Date: 22 October 2020
Effective Date: 23 October 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-286.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Wednesday 21 October 2020
Public Health (COVID-19 Self-Isolation) Order (No 4) 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research has issued an order in response to COVID-19 which repeals the Public Health (COVID-19 Self-Isolation) Order (No 3) 2020.
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Gazette Number: n2020-4278
Notice Number: 276
Publication Date: 19 October 2020
Effective Date: 20 October 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-276.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Tuesday 20 October 2020
Treasury Laws Amendment (A Tax Plan for the COVID‑19 Economic Recovery) Act 2020
Highlight:
The Parliament of Australia has enacted an Act that amends various laws in relation to taxation and other related purposes.
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Gazette Number: No. 92, 2020
Notice Number: 92
Publication Date: 14 October 2020
Effective Date: 14 October 2020
Source: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2020A00092
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Wednesday 7 October 2020
Public Health (Further Extension of Declared Public Health Emergency— COVID-19) Regulation (No. 5) 2020
Highlight:
The Governor in Council has issued a regulation to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic that extends the declared public emergency.
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Gazette Number: 2020 No. 249
Notice Number: 249
Publication Date: 2 October 2020
Effective Date: 2 October 2020
Source: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/asmade/sl-2020-0249
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Disaster Management (Further Extension of Disaster Situation—COVID-19) Regulation (No. 6) 2020
Highlight:
The Governor in Council has issued a regulation that extends the disaster situation declared under the Disaster Management (Extension of Disaster Situation—COVID-19) Regulation 2020 by 90 days until 31 December 2020.
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Gazette Number: 2020 No. 245
Notice Number: 245
Publication Date: 2 October 2020
Source: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/asmade/sl-2020-0245#sec.2
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Monday 5 October 2020
Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Order (No. 2) 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research has issued an order restricting entry into New South Wales of people who have been in Victoria.
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Gazette Number: 2020-4182
Notice Number: 253
Publication Date: 1 October 2020
Effective Date: 2 October 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-253.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Wednesday 30 September 2020
Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Amendment Order (No 8) 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research has issued an order to amend the Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Order 2020 and to provide for matters relating to entering New South Wales by accessing the Murray River.
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Notice Number: 242
Publication Date: 28 September 2020
Effective Date: 28 September 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-242.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Wednesday 23 September 2020
Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (COVID-19 Prescribed Period) Regulation 2020
Highlight:
The Governor of New South Wales has published a regulation that amends the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000.
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Published in Terms of NSW - Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
Gazette Number: 2020 No 551
Notice Number: 551
Publication Date: 18 September 2020
Source: https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/pdf/asmade/sl-2020-551
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Thursday 10 September 2020
Coronavirus Economic Response Package (Jobkeeper Payments) Amendment Act 2020
Highlight:
The Parliament of Australia has passed an Act amending the law relating to the Coronavirus economic response with respect to jobkeeper payments by extending the operation of the Coronavirus Economic Response Package (Payments and Benefits) Act 2020 and related provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009.
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Gazette Number: No. 81, 2020
Notice Number: 81
Publication Date: 9 September 2020
Source: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2020A00081
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Friday 4 September 2020
Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Amendment Order (No 4) 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research has published an Order that establishes restrictions and obligations for border residents wishing to enter New South Wales from Victoria.
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Gazette Number: s2020-375
Notice Number: 11
Publication Date: 2 September 2020
Effective Date: 4 September 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-189.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Tuesday 1 September 2020
Disaster Management (Further Extension of Disaster Situation—COVID-19) Regulation (No. 5) 2020
Highlight:
The Governor of Queensland has passed a Regulation responding to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that extends the "period of disaster situation".
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Gazette Number: 2020 No. 175
Publication Date: 28 September 2020
Source: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/pdf/asmade/sl-2020-0175
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Thursday 27 August 2020
Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 4) Amendment Order (No 4) 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research has published an order to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic that amends the Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 4) 2020.
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Gazette Number: n2020-3802
Notice Number: 184
Publication Date: 25 August 2020
Effective Date: 26 August 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-184.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Friday 19 August 2020
Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Amendment Order (No 3) 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research has passed an Order, with effect from 18 August 2020, amending the Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Order 2020. It provides new definitions to terms and introduces new requirements for entering New South Wales.
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Notice Number: 180
Publication Date: 18 August 2020
Effective Date: 18 August 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-180.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Monday 10 August 2020
Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Amendment Order (No 2) 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research has issued an Order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that amends the Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Order 2020.
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Notice Number: 174
Publication Date: 6 Aug 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-174.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Monday 3 August 2020
Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 4) Amendment Order (No 3) 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research has issued an Order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that changes the rules for gyms and the collection of personal contact details.
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Notice Number: 168
Publication Date: 31 July 2020
Effective Date: 1 Aug 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-168.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Monday 27 July 2020
Public Health (COVID-19 Self-Isolation) Order (No 3) 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research has issued an order that directs persons diagnosed with COVID-19 and their close contacts of persons diagnosed to self-isolate.
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Gazette Number: n2020-3375
Notice Number: 162
Publication Date: 24 July 2020
Effective Date: 24 July 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-162.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Amendment (Vulnerable Persons) Order 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research has issued an order that amends the Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Order 2020 and allows for the provision of essential care services to vulnerable persons in the border zone.
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Gazette Number: n2020-3376
Notice Number: 163
Publication Date: 24 July 2020
Effective Date: 24 July 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-163.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Tuesday 21 July 2020
Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Amendment Order 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research has issued an order to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic that amends and clarifies the application and operation of the Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Order 2020 and regulates entry into New South Wales.
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Gazette Number: n2020-3292
Notice Number 157
Publication Date: 20 July 2020
Effective Date: 22 July 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-157.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Friday 17 July 2020
Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 4) Amendment Order 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Public Health of New South Wales has issued an order to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic that imposes greater restrictions on gatherings in pubs.
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Notice Number: n2020-3290
Publication Date: 16 July 2020
Effective Date: 17 July 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-155.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Wednesday 8 July 2020
Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Order 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research has issued an order that restricts entry into New South Wales.
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Gazette Number: 149
Publication Date: 7 July 2020
Effective Date: 8 July 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-149.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Monday 6 July 2020
Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Amendment Regulation 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Finance and Small Business of New South Wales has issued regulations to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic that prevent lessors from taking certain actions against commercial lessees that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Gazette Number: 2020 No 373
Publication Date: 3 July 2020
Effective Date: 3 July 2020
Source: https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/regulations/2020-373.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 4) 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research of New South Wales has issued an order with effect from 1 July 2020 to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic that requires the occupiers of certain premises to develop and implement a COVID-19 Safety Plan and places limits on gatherings of persons for different purposes.
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Gazette Number:No 139 of 2020
Publication Date: 30 June 2020
Effective Date: 1 July 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-139.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Thursday 25 June 2020
Public Health (COVID-19 Air Transportation Quarantine) Order (No 2) 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research has published an Order that aims to deal with the public health risk of COVID-19 and its possible consequences.
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Gazette Number: No. 131 of 2020
Publication Date: 24 June 2020
Effective Date: 25 June 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-131.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Public Health (COVID-19 Maritime Quarantine) Order (No 2) 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research has published an Order that aims to deal with the public health risk of COVID-19 and its possible consequences.
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Gazette Number: 131
Publication Date: 24 June 2020
Effective Date: 25 June 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-131.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Tuesday 2 June 2020
Retail Shop Leases and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19 Emergency Response) Regulation 2020
Highlight:
The Governor in Council has published a regulation that aims to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 emergency on lessors and lessees under affected leases.
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Gazette Number: 2020 SL No. 79
Publication Date: 28 May 2020
Source: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/asmade/sl-2020-0079
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Disaster Management (Further Extension of Disaster Situation—COVID-19) Regulation (No. 4) 2020
Highlight:
The Governor in Council has published a regulation that amends the Disaster Management (Extension of Disaster Situation—COVID-19) Regulation 2020 to further extend the period of the disaster situation declared for the whole of the State of Queensland for another 90 days.
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Gazette Number: 2020 No. 81
Publication Date: 28 May 2020
Source: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/asmade/sl-2020-0081#
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Thursday 21 May 2020
Public Health (Further Extension of Declared Public Health Emergency—COVID19) Regulation (No. 3) 2020
Highlight:
The Queensland Parliamentary Counsel has published a regulation that declares that the public health emergency is further extended.
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Gazette Number: 2020 No. 75
Publication Date: 18 May 2020
Source: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/inforce/current/sl-2020-0075
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Tuesday 19 May 2020
Disaster Management (Further Extension of Disaster Situation—COVID-19) Regulation (No. 3) 2020
Highlight:
The Governor in Council has published a Regulation that further extends the disaster situation.
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Gazette Number: 2020 No. 73
Publication Date: 14 May 2020
Effective Date: 14 May 2020
Source: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/asmade/sl-2020-0073#sec.2
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Friday 15 May 2020
Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 2) 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research has published an Order which revokes and remakes the Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020 to ease certain restrictions.
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Gazette Number: 99
Publication Date: 14 May 2020
Effective Date: 15 May 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-99.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Thursday 14 May 2020
Land (COVID-19 Emergency Response— Waiver and Deferral of Rents and Instalments) Regulation 2020
Highlight:
The Governor in Council has published a regulation which provides rent relief for businesses which rent premises from the State government in order to mitigate the financial impact from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Gazette Number: 2020 SL No. 65
Publication Date: 8 May 2020
Source: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/sl-2020-0065
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Tuesday 5 May 2020
Disaster Management (Further Extension of Disaster Situation—COVID-19) Regulation (No. 2) 2020
Highlight:
The Governor in Council has published a Regulation that further extends the disaster situation by 14 days from the day it is issued.
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Gazette Number: 2020 SL No. 61
Publication Date: 1 May 2020
Source: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/asmade/sl-2020-0061
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Friday 1 May 2020
NSW - Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Amendment Order (No 2) 2020
Highlight:
The Minister for Health and Medical Research has published an Order which amends the Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020.
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Publication Date: 30 April 2020
Effective Date: 30 May 2020
Source: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-94.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Wednesday 27 April 2020
Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2020
Highlight:
The Governor of New South Wales has published a regulation which regulates the rights of lessors relating to the enforcement of certain commercial leases during the COVID-19 pandemic period by:
-defining the prescribed period as 6 months from the day the regulation commences
-prohibiting commercial lessors from taking any action against a lessee who fails to pay rent, fails to pay outgoings or a lessee whose business is not open during the prescribed period due to COVID-19
-allowing lessors and lessees to renegotiate their rent and other terms of commercial leases in good faith, having regard to the leasing principles set out in the National Code of Conduct
-allowing a lessor to take a prescribed action against a lessee on grounds not related to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Gazette Number: 2020 No 175
Publication Date: 24 April 2020
Effective Date: 24 April 2020
Source: https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/regulations/2020-175.pdf
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Friday 24 April 2020
QLD: COVID-19 Emergency Response Act 2020
Highlight:
The Queensland Parliamentary Counsel has published an Act which aims to facilitate the continuance of public administration and small business activities disrupted by the COVID-19 emergency and provide for matters related to property leases by:
-easing regulatory requirements and establishing an office of the Small Business Commissioner to administer mediation services in relation to small business tenancy disputes
-amending the Parliament of Queensland Act 2001 (the Parliament of Queensland Act) to enable meetings of the Legislative Assembly to take place via technology such as teleconferencing or videoconferencing and clarifying that Members of Parliament may participate in parliamentary committee meetings via technological means
-giving the relevant Minister a power to make emergency regulations for the residential tenancy and rooming accommodation sectors to address the impacts of the COVID-19 emergency
-facilitating the implementation of the National Cabinet decision of 29 March 2020 that prohibits the eviction of residential tenants and residents who are in financial distress and are unable to meet their commitments due to the impact of the COVID-19 emergency.
The Act will remain in effect until 31 December 2020.
This Notice has been sent to you for information purposes. The Act may not impose obligations on your organisation.
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Published in terms of QLD - Work Health & Safety Act 2011
Gazette Number: No. 13 of 2020
Publication Date: 23 April 2020
Effective Date: 24 April 2020
Source: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/asmade/act-2020-013
© The State of Queensland (Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel). All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Tuesday 14 April 2020
Coronavirus Economic Response Package (Payments and Benefits) Act 2020
Highlight:
The Parliament of Australia has published an Act which provides financial support to entities directly or indirectly affected by COVID‑19, by:
-providing rules for payments by the Commonwealth to an entity
-setting out the method of making coronavirus economic response payments
-stipulating general interest charges on overpayment debts and
-setting out an entity's responsibility to keep adequate records in order to receive payment.
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Published in terms of Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Gazette Number: No. 37, 2020
Publication Date: 9 April 2020
Effective Date: 9 April 2020
Source: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2020A00037
© Copyright Australian government Government. All rights reserved.
Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus (Measures No. 2) Act 2020
Highlight:
The Parliament of Australia has published an Act which makes temporary changes to the Fair Work Act 2009 and other legislation to assist the Australian people to keep their jobs and maintain their connection to employers during the economic downturn and work restrictions arising from the COVID‑19 pandemic by:
-authorising an employer who qualifies for the jobkeeper scheme to give a "jobkeeper enabling stand down direction" to an employee (including to reduce hours of work)
-authorising an employer who qualifies for the jobkeeper scheme to give a direction to an employee about the duties they are to perform or where they are to work
-authorising an employer who qualifies for the jobkeeper scheme and an employee to make an agreement in relation to the days or times when the employee is to work or take annual leave, including at half pay
-providing that an employer who qualifies for the jobkeeper scheme must consult an employee before giving a direction
-providing that a direction given by an employer who qualifies for the jobkeeper scheme to an employee does not apply to the employee if the direction is unreasonable and unless the employer reasonably believes the direction is necessary to continue the employment of one or more employees and
-providing other safeguards relating to directions given by employers who qualify for the jobkeeper scheme.
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Published in terms of Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Gazette Number: No. 38, 2020
Publication Date: 9 April 2020
Effective Date: 9 April 2020
Source: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2020A00038
© Copyright Australian government Government. All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Friday 9 April 2020
Disaster Management (Extension of Disaster Situation—COVID-19) Regulation 2020
Highlight:
The Governor in Council has published a Regulation that extends the disaster situation by 14 days from the day it is issued.
The extension is necessary to ensure government powers are available to appropriately address the risks to the health of the Queensland community, in light of the longer term nature of COVID-19 and its potential impacts.
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Gazette Number: 2020 No. 49
Publication Date: 3 April 2020
Effective Date: 3 April 2020
Source: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/news/2020
Copyright: © State of Queensland (WorkCover Queensland) 2020
Last Updated: Thursday 2 April 2020
COVID-19 Information for workers
Highlight:
Safe Work Australia has published COVID-19 Information for workers (the "Document").
The Document states that workers:
-have the duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety, and to not adversely affect the health and safety of others
-must follow any reasonable policies or directions their employer has put in place in response to COVID-19 including working from another location
-if they suspect that they have COVID-19, must not go to work, must seek medical advice and must tell their employer as soon as possible and update them your if the situation changes
-must talk to their employer or Health and Safety Representative if they have concerns about safety at work
-must tell your employer as soon as possible if they stop work because it is unsafe but must also be available to carry out suitable alternative work, such as working from home.
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Published in terms of Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988
Publication Date: 2 April 2020
Source: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/news/2020
Copyright: © State of Queensland (WorkCover Queensland) 2020
What to do if a worker has COVID-19
Highlight:
Safe Work Australia has published What to do if a worker has COVID-19 (the "Document").
The Document sets out that if a worker has COVID-19, an employer must:
-follow the health advice from the National Coronavirus Helpline
-contact the state or territory Work Health and Safety regulator for specific advice on their situation
-ensure workers do not return to work while they are infectious
-identify the hazards, assess and control the risks, review the control measures and consult with workers and other duty holders.
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Published in terms of Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988
Publication Date: 2 April 2020
Source: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/news/2020
Copyright: © State of Queensland (WorkCover Queensland) 2020
Mental health and COVID-19
Highlight:
Safe Work Australia has published Mental health and COVID-19 (the "Document").
The Document sets out:
-that the duties of employers to employees apply to psychological health too
-possible psychosocial hazards from COVID-19
-that employers must consider and consult workers on all relevant risks of working from home and offer support to manage risks that can arise from factors such as stress associated with caring for children, relationship strain or domestic violence
-steps that employers can take to minimise workplace stress
-tips for managing stress from COVID-19.
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Published in terms of Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988
Publication Date: 2 April 2020
Source: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/news/2020
Copyright: © State of Queensland (WorkCover Queensland) 2020
Workers’ compensation and COVID-19
Highlight:
Safe Work Australia has published Worker's compensation and COVID-19 (the "Document").
The Document:
-clarifies that Commonwealth, states and territories are responsible for coverage or eligibility for benefits in workers’ compensation schemes
-sets out that whether a worker can successfully claim for compensation for contracting the COVID-19 virus at work is to be determined by the relevant workers’ compensation authority.
This notification has been included for information purposes. The Document may not impose legal obligations on your organisation.
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Published in terms of Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988
Publication Date: 2 April 2020
Source: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/news/2020
Copyright: © State of Queensland (WorkCover Queensland) 2020
Preparing workers for COVID-19
Highlight:
Safe Work Australia has published Preparing workers for COVID-19 (the "Document").
The Document sets out:
-what emergency plans employers must undertake to manage COVID-19 including the information that workers should be aware of
-when employers must consult with workers on health and safety matters relating to the COVID-19 virus
-the privacy obligations that employers have and where these can be found
-that employers must provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment ("PPE") and information and training on how and why they are required to use them
-when an employer may conduct temperature checks on workers to monitor their health
-the circumstances under which a worker may stop or refuse to carry out unsafe work
-that workers may be required to stay away from the workplace if they are unwell and not fit for work
-that workers must continue to be able to access available entitlements, including leave, under the relevant enterprise agreement, award, contracts of employment and workplace policies.
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Published in terms of Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988
Publication Date: 2 April 2020
Source: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/news/2020
Copyright: © State of Queensland (WorkCover Queensland) 2020
QLD: Coronavirus (COVID-19) workplace risk management
Highlight:
The Workplace Health and Safety Electrical Safety Office Workers' Compensation Regulator has published the Coronavirus (COVID-19) workplace risk management (the "document").
The document contains guidelines for employers to:
-identify and manage work health and safety risks including the exposure to COVID-19
-plan to respond to cases of COVID-19 at work in line with advice from Queensland Health
-make contingency plans for workers and others who must self-quarantine
-prevent the risk of the spread of infection at work by, among other things, providing hand washing facilities and promoting good hygiene
-managing who may receive protective personal equipment
-consider and address relevant issues when implementing a telecommuting (also called working from home, e-work and telework) arrangement.
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Published in terms of QLD - Work Health & Safety Act 2011
Date Notified: 2 April 2020
Publication Date: 2 April 2020
Source: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/news/2020
Copyright: © State of Queensland (WorkCover Queensland) 2020
Last Updated: Thursday 26 March 2020
Boosting Cash Flow for Employers (Coronavirus Economic Response Package) Bill 2020
Highlight:
The Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia has published the Boosting Cash Flow for Employers (Coronavirus Economic Response Package) Bill 2020 (the "Bill")
The Bill:
-provides for payments to support employers and encourage the retention of employees through any downturn
-sets out the criteria for entities that are eligible to receive the payment
-states that the first cash flow boost is payable by the Commissioner in relation to periods ending from March 2020 to June 2020
-provides for the Commissioner to make the second cash flow boost payments for eligible periods from June to September 2020.
This notification has been included for information purposes only. The Bill has not yet been signed into law and may not impose obligations on your organisation.
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Published in terms of Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Publication Date: 23 March 2020
Source: https://www.health.gov.au
Copyright: © Commonwealth of Australia 2020.
Structured Finance Support (Coronavirus Economic Response Package) Bill 2020
Highlight:
The Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia has published the Structured Finance Support Bill (the "Bill").
The Bill establishes the Structured Finance Support (Coronavirus Economic Response) Fund, initially consisting of $15 billion to:
-enable the Government to ensure continued access to funding markets impacted by the economic effects of the Coronavirus
-mitigate impacts on competition in consumer and business lending markets resulting from the Coronavirus
-ensure smaller lenders can maintain access to funding, by the Government making targeted investments in structured finance market.
This notification has been included for information purposes only. The Bill has not yet been signed into law and may not impose obligations on your organisation.
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Published in terms of Corporations Act 2001
Publication Date: 23 March 2020
Source: https://www.health.gov.au
Copyright: © Commonwealth of Australia 2020.
Guarantee of Lending to Small and Medium Enterprises (Coronavirus Economic Response Package) Bill 2020
Highlight:
The Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia has published the Guarantee of Lending to Small and Medium Enterprises (Coronavirus Economic Response Package) Bill 2020 (the "Bill").
The Bill provides that the Minister may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, grant guarantees to financial institutions in connection with loans made to SMEs if granting the guarantee is likely to assist in dealing with the economic impacts of the Coronavirus.
This notification has been included for information purposes only. The Bill has not yet been signed into law and may not impose obligations on your organisation.
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Published in terms of Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Publication Date: 23 March 2020
Source: https://www.health.gov.au
Copyright: © Commonwealth of Australia 2020.
Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus Bill 2020
Highlight:
The Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia has published the Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus Bill 2020 (the "Bill").
The Bill is part of a legislative package containing various Bills to implement the Government’s economic response to the spread of the Coronavirus.
The Bill, among other things:
-proposes to amend certain legislation to provide additional financial assistance to Australian farms and households that are financially impacted by the Coronavirus
-amends income tax legislation to increase the cost threshold below which small businesses can access a deduction for depreciating assets and certain related expenditure from $30,000 to $150,000
-provides an incentive for businesses with turnovers of less than $500 million per year to invest in plant and equipment and other depreciating assets
-provides for government payments to support employers by boosting their cash flow and encourages the retention of employees through any downturn
-proposes assistance to apprentices and trainees in the aviation industry
-establishes a temporary mechanism to provide regulatory relief to persons that are unable to meet their obligations under the Corporations Act or the Corporations Regulations
-provides flexibility to manage the impact of the Coronavirus, as well as future disasters, on families and on business continuity for child care services
-provides temporary relief for financially distressed individuals and businesses.
This notification has been included for information purposes only. The Bill has not yet been signed into law and may not impose obligations on your organisation.
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Published in terms of Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Publication Date: 23 March 2020
Source: https://www.health.gov.au
Copyright: © Commonwealth of Australia 2020.
Australian Business Growth Fund (Coronavirus Economic Response Package) Bill 2020
Highlight:
The Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia has published the Australian Business Growth Fund (Coronavirus Economic Response Package) Bill 2020 (the "Bill").
The Bill is part of a legislative package containing various Bills to implement the Government’s economic response to the spread of the Coronavirus.
The Government will help SMEs grow by co-investing with other financial institutions to establish an Australian Business Growth Fund that will provide equity finance to SMEs across a range of industries and locations.
This notification has been included for information purposes only. The Bill has not yet been signed into law and may not impose obligations on your organisation.
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Published in terms of Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Publication Date: 23 March 2020
Source: https://www.health.gov.au
Copyright: © Commonwealth of Australia 2020.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for employers
Highlight:
The Australian Department of Health has published an information sheet for employers about coronavirus (COVID-19) (the " Fact Sheet").
The Fact Sheet states that:
-people who have returned from overseas should isolate themselves at home and monitor their health closely
-people who think they may have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus must isolate at home, monitor their health and seek medical advice if key symptoms develop
-employees who are in isolation must alert their employer and may discuss alternative arrangements such as working from home
-employers must provide information and brief all employees and contract staff, including domestic and cleaning staff, on relevant information and procedures to prevent the spread of coronavirus
-cleaning staff must wear gloves, use alcohol-based hand sanitiser and, if they are available, wear surgical masks in a place where a person in isolation has frequented.
The Fact Sheet also addresses whether food and drink can spread coronavirus and provide guidance on how to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
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Published in terms of Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Publication Date: 23 March 2020
Source: https://www.health.gov.au
Copyright: © Commonwealth of Australia 2020.
Limits on public gatherings for coronavirus (COVID-19)
Highlight:
The Australian Department of Health has published limits on public gatherings for coronavirus (COVID-19).
This document sets out measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including:
-defining and suspending non-essential gatherings
-restricting listed public entertainment, refreshment and health facilities from opening, from 12:00am on 26 March 2020
-stating that essential gatherings must have no more than 500 people, if outdoors or 100 if indoors
-defining essential gatherings
-placing restrictions on aged care facilities
-clarifying that the 100 person restriction does not apply to public transport, which is considered to be essential
-the procedures and precautions to be followed when having an essential outdoor gathering.
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Published in terms of Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Publication Date: 23 March 2020
Copyright: © Commonwealth of Australia 2020.
Last Updated: Friday 20 March, 2020
Advice for Employers
Highlight:
Safe Work Australia has published Coronavirus (COVID-19): Advice for Employers (the "Advice").
The Advice addresses the following in relation to employers:
-managing the risks from COVID-19
-adequately consulting workers about measures in place to minimise the risk of COVID-19
-managing and complying with privacy obligations to workers
-what an employer must do if they cannot get supplies of real or perceived necessities (e.g. hand sanitiser, masks)
-whether workers must wear surgical masks?
-whether workers who may come into close contact with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 should the workers use personal protective equipment (PPE)
-when an employer direct a worker to stay away from their usual place of work
-other considerations an employer should make when deciding whether a worker or other people need to stay away from their usual place of work
-the risks an employer should consider if workers are working from home
-whether workers or other people must comply with a direction from an employer to stay away from their usual place of work
-whether a worker can refuse to come to work
-meeting work, health and safety duties when it comes to risks to workers' psychological health
-Workers’ Compensation and COVID-19.
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Published in terms of: Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988
Publication Date: 20 March 2020
Source: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-employers#Background
Copyright: © Commonwealth of Australia 2020.
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