The Morrison Government has suspended mutual obligation requirements for job seekers and participants in the Tamworth and Northern Rivers districts of New South Wales after the New South Wales Government announced COVID-19 lockdowns in those areas.
The temporary suspension of mutual obligation requirements in the Tamworth Regional Council Local Government Area applies to job seekers and participants from Monday 9 August, and will remain in place until Tuesday 17 August 2021 inclusive.
For job seekers and participants in the Byron Shire, Richmond Valley, Lismore and Ballina Shire Local Government Areas, the temporary suspension of mutual obligation requirements applies from Tuesday 10 August and will remain in place until Thursday 19 August 2021 inclusive.
These arrangements will apply to job seekers in jobactive, Online Employment Services, Disability Employment Services and participants in ParentsNext who live or are serviced in the affected 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 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 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 New South Wales and other jurisdictions affected by COVID-19 restrictions.
