Suspension of mutual obligation requirements for job seekers and participants in the ACT and far north

Joint Media release

The Hon Stuart Robert MP

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business

Senator the Hon Anne Ruston

Minister for Families and Social Services

Minister for Women's Safety

The Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP

Minister for Indigenous Australians

The Morrison Government has suspended mutual obligation requirements for job seekers and participants in the Australian Capital Territory and far north New South Wales after COVID-19 lockdowns were announced today in those regions.

The temporary suspension of mutual obligation requirements in far north New South Wales applies to job seekers and participants in the Local Government Areas of Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Narromine, Walgett, and Warren from Thursday 12 August until Tuesday 24 August 2021 inclusive.

For the ACT, excluding the Jervis Bay area, the temporary suspension of mutual obligation requirements will apply from today, Thursday 12 August 2021, and will be in place until Tuesday 24 August 2021 inclusive.

These arrangements will apply to job seekers in jobactive, Online Employment Services, Disability Employment Services, and participants in ParentsNext and the Community Development Program who live or are serviced in these areas.

Job seekers and participants in these areas will not face payment suspensions or financial penalties for failing to meet their mutual obligation requirements that are due, or are arranged to occur, during the temporary suspension period.

Job seekers and participants in these areas are encouraged to stay connected to employment services to ensure they are supported to access the full range of assistance, including mental health services if required. Job seekers and participants should continue to check when their mutual obligation requirements are due after the temporary suspensions end.

Special Circumstances Exemptions continue to be available through Services Australia for job seekers and participants who require them.

The Government will continue to closely monitor the situation in the ACT and New South Wales, and other jurisdictions affected by COVID-19 restrictions.

More information about mutual obligation requirements can be found at: Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for job seekers