As with most industries, the disability and aged care sectors are facing unprecedented challenges during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Commonwealth, state and territory governments have issued a range of measures to support disability and aged care providers and workers through this time.
The primary source of information is the Australian Government’s dedicated website Australia.gov.au.
Information for businesses can be found at Business.gov.au.
Information related to the NDIS
- The NDIS Commission is providing regular updates for NDIS providers, including information on free training https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/resources/provider-and-worker-resources/provider-newsletters-and-alerts#paragraph-id-2800
- The NDIS website (with specific information on COVID-19) can be found at https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/resources/covid-19-resources-and-information/covid-19-information-providers
- Information on the Department of Health’s COVID-19 advice for people with a disability can be found at https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/advice-for-people-at-risk-of-coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-people-with-disability
Information related to aged care
- The Australian Government Department of Health website provides up-to-date advice for the health and aged care sector, including the use of PPE.
- Information on the Department of Health’s response to COVID-19 can be found at https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-the-health-and-aged-care-sector
- The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission website includes updates, resources and explanations of the Commission’s regulatory responses to COVID-19.
- Information for eligible residential aged care employees covered by the Aged Care Award, Nurses Award and Health Services Award on paid pandemic leave can be found at https://coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au/coronavirus-and-australian-workplace-laws/pay-leave-and-stand-downs/unpaid-pandemic-leave-annual-leave-changes-in-awards
Please note: this list is not exhaustive and is correct as at 17 August 2022.
Australian Government measures
Measure: NDIS disaster response
Description:
A package for providers that includes:
- A temporary flexible approach for participants to purchase low cost assistive technology (AT) items
- Two new support items for participants living in Supported Independent Living (SIL) arrangements if a participant is diagnosed with COVID-19. This includes one-off cleaning services and higher intensity support to treat the participant.
- Further information can be found in the following links:
Measure: Instant asset write-off
Description:
Immediate deduction for assets costing less than $150k for businesses with an aggregated annual turnover of <500m. On 9 June 2020, the government announced an extension to the Instant Asset Write-Off to 30 June 2023.
- For further information, please refer to the following link:
Measure: Support for sole traders
Description:
For further information, please refer to the following link:
Measure: Paid pandemic leave for some awards
Description:
The Fair Work Commission has extended access to paid pandemic leave, which will be available to eligible residential aged care employees covered by the Aged Care Award, Nurse Award and Health Service Award.
- For further information, please refer to the following links:
Measure: Unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave changes to awards
Description:
The Fair Work Commission has recently extended the unpaid pandemic leave. There are different end dates for the extended unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave provisions in each award.
- For further information, please refer to the following links:
Measure: Local Jobs Program
Description:
The Local Jobs Program runs to 30 June 2025 in 25 regions throughout Australia. It brings together expertise, resources and access to funding at the local level to focus on reskilling, upskilling and employment pathways for people in each region. The program is part of supporting Australia’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- For further information, please refer to the following links:
Measure: Vaccination information for people with a disability
Description:
People with a disability might be eligible to receive priority access to COVID-19 vaccines.
- To check eligibility, please refer to the following link:
- For further information, please refer to the following links:
Please note: this list is not exhaustive and is correct as at 17 August 2022.
Measures in New South Wales
For general COVID-19 updates and guidelines specific to New South Wales please see the New South Wales State Government COVID-19 page.
- Link to the New South Wales Government COVID-19 page
- Link to NSW Health COVID-19 information for people with disability page
Measure: Supporting NSW through COVID-19
Description:
Services NSW are providing support for individuals and businesses via phone calls and online resources. Resources include free legal advice, Australian Government payments and supports, and emergency relief packages.
- For further information, please refer to the following link:
Measure: Disability Service Providers
Description:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, services have been disrupted at times, including services to people with disability. NSW Health acknowledges the significant efforts of disability support providers.
- For further information, please refer to the following link:
Measure: Updated COVID-19 rules
Description:
Some COVID-19 rules and restrictions remain in place.
- For further information, please refer to the following link:
Measure: Advice to residential disability care facilities (RDCF)
Description:
Updated directions to visitors, residents, and staff in disability care facilities located in Greater Sydney or the local government areas listed above are available.
- For further information, please refer to the following link:
Measure: Advice to residential aged care facilities
Description:
Updated directions to visitors, residents and staff in residential aged care facilities located in Greater Sydney or the local government areas listed above are available.
- For further information, please refer to the following link:
Measure: Advice to home care service providers
Description:
Disability day programs should cease all activities in group settings unless non-attendance at a day program would result in a risk of harm to the person with disability or others.
- Further information is available on the Disability service providerspage
Updated directions for home care service providers, including COVID-19 safety measures and mandatory mask wearing are available.
- For further information, please refer to the following link:
Please note: this list is not exhaustive and is correct as at 17 August 2022.
Measures in Victoria
For general COVID-19 updates and guidelines specific to Victoria please see the Victorian State Government COVID-19 page.
- Link to the Victorian Government COVID-19 page
- Link to the Victorian Health and Human Services disability services sector
Measure: Information for community services - COVID-19
Description:
The Department of Health and Human Services has developed an information page for providers in community services, including those in the disability sector. Information includes a COVID-19 plan for the disability services sector, isolation management in disability accommodation settings and information for disability service providers.
- For further information, please refer to the following link:
Measure: Business Support Package
Description:
The Victorian Government has released a new $534m Business Support Package to provide support to businesses and workers through the COVID-19 pandemic.
- For further information, please refer to the following link:
Please note: this list is not exhaustive and is correct as at 17 August 2022.
Measures in Queensland
For general COVID-19 updates and guidelines specific to Queensland please see the Queensland State Government COVID-19 page.
Measure: Business Queensland COVID-19 business assistance finder
Description:
The Queensland Government's business assistance finder lists financial assistance and other types of relief available. The finder allows businesses to view tailored information based on their business size, industry, local government area and other criteria.
- For further information, please refer to the following link:
Measure: Updated health directions
Description:
Keep up to date on the latest information on restrictions: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19
Please note: this list is not exhaustive and is correct as at 17 August 2022.
Measures in Western Australia
For general COVID-19 updates and guidelines specific to Western Australia please see the Western Australia State Government COVID-19 page.
- Link to the Western Australia Government COVID-19 page
- COVID-19 coronavirus: Get ready for WA’s transition (www.wa.gov.au)
Measure: COVID-19 business tools and information
Description:
The WA Government's business tools and information page offers updated information and tools in relation to COVID-19. This includes COVID-19 safety plans and guidelines, information on events, support for business and information for community service providers.
- For further information, please refer to the following link:
Please note: this list is not exhaustive and is correct as at 17 August 2022.
Measures in South Australia
For general COVID-19 updates and guidelines specific to South Australia please see the South Australia State Government COVID-19 page.
Measure: Mental health support - COVID-19
Description:
To support the mental health of South Australians during this time, SA Health have established a virtual support network of services based locally in South Australia.
- For further information, please refer to the following link:
Measure: Local Jobs Program
Description:
The Local Jobs Program has been expanded to all 51 Employment Regions and will now run throughout Australia until 30 June 2025. It brings together expertise, resources and access to funding at the local level to focus on reskilling, upskilling and employment pathways for people in each region. The Program is part of supporting Australia’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- For further information, please refer to the following link:
Measure: COVID-19 advice for retirement village operators
Description:
This fact sheet provides information and advice to operators of retirement villages in South Australia. It outlines the measures that operators should take to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to retirement village residents and others
- For further information, please refer to the following link:
Please note: this list is not exhaustive and is correct as at 17 August 2022.
Measures in Tasmania
The Public Health Emergency Declaration ended midnight, 30 June 2022. This means the end of mandatory health directions across the Tasmanian community and in workplaces. Find out what that means for your business with videos, fact sheets and key information at www.business.tas.gov.au/coronavirus_information
For general COVID-19 updates and guidelines specific to Tasmania please see the Tasmania State Government COVID-19 page.
- Link to the Tasmanian Government COVID-19 page
- What to do if you test positive to COVID-19
- Link to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Resources
- Link to COVID-19 Case and Outbreak Management
Measure: Tasmanian Employer Bonus Fund
Description:
The Tasmanian Employer Bonus Fund provides eligible employers with funding to assist with the costs associated with taking on new, eligible employees. For unemployed individuals, or other groups that face barriers to employment, the program will help facilitate secure and sustainable pathways to employment.
- For further information, please refer to the following link:
Measure: COVID Closures – Contingency planning and updating your customers
Description:
Business Tasmania has developed a set of business contingency planning tools, including a comprehensive template to help you prepare and recover from future risks.
- For further information, please refer to the following link:
Measure: COVID-19 Small Business Advice and Financial Guidance Program
Description:
This program seeks to provide eligible small businesses with financial services and/or business support to assist in business recovery, transition and growth to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and other impactful events.
- For further information, please refer to the following link:
Measure: Business Tasmania COVID-19 information
Description:
Business Tasmania has collated a series of information sheets on COVID-19 relevant to business owners. Information is available on current business restrictions, COVID-19 business support, grants and loans, COVID-19 safety plans and check in TAS resources.
- For further information, please refer to the following links:
Measure: COVID-19 Safe Workplaces Framework
Description:
Worksafe Tasmania advisors are continuing to offer appointments to assist with:
- Reviewing and providing recommendations on COVID-19 safety plans;
- Providing workplace health and safety advice in relation to managing the risks associated with COVID-19 in the workplace;
- Support with conducting a risk assessment; and
- Support regarding how to create an outbreak management plan.
The service can be accessed by contacting 1300 366 322, or by emailing wstinfo@justice.tas.gov.au
- For further information, including how to request an appointment, please refer to the following link:
Please note: this list is not exhaustive and is correct as at 17 August 2022.
Measures in the Australian Capital Territory
For general COVID-19 updates and guidelines specific to the Australian Capital Territory please see the ACT Government COVID-19 page.
Measure: The Canberra Business Advice and Support Service
Description:
The Canberra Business Advice and Support Service provides up to four hours of free specialist advice tailored to your business.
- For further information, please refer to the following link:
Please note: this list is not exhaustive and is correct as at 17 August 2022.
Measures in the Northern Territory
For general COVID-19 updates and guidelines specific to the Northern Territory please see the Northern Territory Government COVID-19 page.
Measure: Jobs first plan
Description:
The Northern Territory Government’s jobs first plan and business recovery website provides information on supports that are available to businesses and not-for-profits. Website users can search for information by business type.
- For further information, please refer to the following link:
Please note: this list is not exhaustive and is correct as at 17 August 2022.