RESEARCH PAPER SERIES, 2020–21              22 October 2020

COVID-19: a chronology of state and territory government announcements (up until 30 June 2020)

Rebecca Storen and Nikki Corrigan

Social Policy

Introduction

This chronology summarises key announcements from state and territory governments on
COVID-19 up until 30 June 2020. It provides a comprehensive overview of the announcements made, but is not designed to be exhaustive. It seeks to avoid duplication of the announcements made by the Australian Government as much as possible. The chronology includes separate tables for announcements in each state and territory (Tables 4 to 11), each commencing with the first government announcement distinct from the Australian Government. Table 12 provides an overview of the sources used to develop this chronology. The links included in this chronology were correct as at 22 September 2020.

The first case of novel coronavirus in Australia (nCoV-19) was reported in Victoria on 25 January 2020, with an additional three cases confirmed in New South Wales later that day.[1] The name for the disease caused by nCoV-19, coronavirus disease (COVID-19), was announced by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 February 2020.[2] The first person to die from COVID-19 in Australia was a man from Western Australia who died in Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital on 1 March 2020.[3]

Table 1 provides a summary of the first confirmed case and first death related to COVID-19 reported in each state and territory.

Table 1: date of first reported case and first death related to COVID-19 for each state and territory

State/territory

First case

Source

First death

Source

Victoria

25 January 2020

G Hunt (Minister for Health) and B Murphy (Australian Government Chief Medical Officer), First confirmed case of novel coronavirus in Australia, media release, 25 January 2020.

26 March 2020

Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, Coronavirus update for Victoria—26 March 2020, media release, 26 March 2020.

New South Wales (NSW)

25 January 2020

NSW Government, Coronavirus cases confirmed in NSW, news, 25 January 2020.

3 March 2020

NSW Government, Nurse and resident diagnosed with COVID-19, media release, 4 March 2020.

Queensland

29 January 2020

J Young (Queensland Chief Health Officer), Queensland coronavirus update, media release, 29 January 2020.

25 March 2020

Queensland Health, Queensland novel coronavirus (COVID-19) update, media release, 25 March 2020.

South Australia (SA)

1 February 2020

S Marshall
(SA Premier), Premier’s statement on coronavirus, media release, 1 February 2020.

7 April 2020

SA Health, COVID-19 update, media release, 7 April 2020.

Western Australia (WA)

21 February 2020*

A Robertson
(WA Chief Health Officer), Chief Medical Officer statement COVID-19 update #6, media release, 21 February 2020.

1 March 2020

WA Health, WA confirms first novel coronavirus death, media release, 1 March 2020.

Tasmania

2 March 2020

M Veitch (Tasmanian Director of Public Health), Coronavirus case confirmed in Tasmania, news, 2 March 2020.

30 March 2020

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Press Conference, media release, 30 March 2020.

Northern Territory (NT)

4 March 2020

Northern Territory Department of Health, First confirmed COVID-19 case in Northern Territory, news, 4 March 2020.

N/A**

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

12 March 2020

ACT Health Directorate, COVID-19 case confirmed in the ACT, media release, 12 March 2020.

30 March 2020

ACT Government, COVID 19 update—first death in the ACT, news, 30 March 2020.

* Diamond Princess passenger repatriated from Japan to Darwin on 20 February, and then airlifted to WA for treatment on 21 February.

** As at 22 September 2020, the NT had not recorded any deaths from COVID-19.

While this publication does not seek to compare the response of state and territory governments, the following two tables provide summaries of the two types of announcements of interest: initial broad economic package announcements and initial border restriction announcements.

Each state and territory government announced its first broad economic package in March, as summarised in Table 2.

Four states and one territory introduced border restrictions in March 2020 as part of their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic (see Table 3).

Table 2: initial broad economic package announcements by state and territory governments

State/territory

Announcement date

Announcement overview

Source

SA

11 March 2020

The SA Government announced a $350 million stimulus package to help the South Australian economy and jobs.

S Marshall (SA Premier), Unprecedented response and economic stimulus to drive SA jobs, economy in wake of bushfires, coronavirus, media release, 11 March 2020.

WA

16 March 2020

The WA Government announced a $607 million package to support WA households and small businesses.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and B Wyatt (WA Treasurer), COVID-19 economic response: relief for businesses and households, media release, 16 March 2020.

NSW

17 March 2020

The NSW Government announced a $2.3 billion health and economic stimulus package.

G Berejiklian (NSW Premier), D Perrottet (NSW Treasurer) and B Hazzard (NSW Minister for Health), $2.3 billion health boost and economic stimulus, media release, 17 March 2020.

Tasmania

17 March 2020

The Premier announced a $420 million support package.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Investing to sustain a strong economy and local jobs, media release, 17 March 2020.

NT

18 March 2020

The Chief Minister announced a $65 million Jobs Rescue & Recovery Plan.

M Gunner (NT Chief Minister), The Territory’s Jobs Rescue & Recovery Plan, media release, 18 March 2020.

ACT

20 March 2020

The Chief Minister announced an initial $137 million economic survival package.

A Barr (ACT Chief Minister), Initial economic survival package to support Territory economy, media release, 20 March 2020.

Victoria

21 March 2020

The Victorian Government announced a $1.7 billion economic survival and jobs package.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier) and T Pallas (Victorian Treasurer), Economic survival package to support businesses and jobs, media release, 21 March 2020.

Queensland

24 March 2020

The Queensland Government announced a $4 billion package to support health, employment, households and businesses.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier), J Trad (Queensland Treasurer), S Miles (Queensland Minister for Health) and S Fentiman (Queensland Minister for Employment and Small Business), Palaszczuk Government unveils $4 billion package to support health, jobs, households and Queensland businesses, media release, 24 March 2020.

Table 3: initial border restriction announcement by state and territory governments[4]

State/territory

Announcement date

Source

Tasmania

19 March 2020

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Important information about new COVID-19 response measures, media release, 19 March 2020.

NT

21 March 2020

M Gunner (NT Chief Minister), Securing the borders to protect Territorians, media release, 21 March 2020.

SA

22 March 2020

S Marshall (SA Premier), South Australia’s borders to close, media release, 22 March 2020.

WA

22 March 2020

M McGowan (WA Premier), New border controls to help protect Western Australia, media release, 22 March 2020.

Queensland

24 March 2020

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier), Border control slows virus spread, media release, 24 March 2020.

For information on case reporting in Australia refer to Australian and international case reporting and select resources on COVID-19: a quick guide. This and other relevant publications are available on the Parliamentary Library’s COVID-19 publications and resources webpage.

Chronologies of state and territory government announcements

Table 4: announcements made by the Australian Capital Territory Government

Milestones

Details

Source documents

March 2020

12 March 2020

The ACT Health Directorate advised that the first case of COVID-19 had been confirmed in the ACT.

ACT Health Directorate, COVID-19 case confirmed in the ACT, media release, 12 March 2020.

16 March 2020

The Minister for Health declared a Public Health Emergency.

R Stephen-Smith (ACT Minister for Health), Public Health Emergency declared for ACT, media release, 16 March 2020.

19 March 2020

The Minister for Health announced Canberra’s public health services would introduce visitor restrictions at key sites, with patients asked to limit visitors to one person per day.

R Stephen-Smith (ACT Minister for Health), The ACT health system is putting in place new measures to help slow the spread of COVID 19 in our community, media release, 19 March 2020.

20 March 2020

The Minister for Health announced a drive-through Respiratory Assessment Clinic would commence from 20 March.

R Stephen-Smith (ACT Minister for Health), Drive through testing for COVID-19 to commence at EPIC from Friday, media release, 20 March 2020.

The Chief Minister announced an initial economic survival package that included:

•        rebates on residential rates and freezing a number of ACT Government fees and charges

•        a six-month waiver on payroll tax for the hospitality, creative arts and entertainment industries

•        the waiving of fees for food business registration, liquor licencing fees and outdoor dining fees and

•        $250 rental support for all public housing tenants and a one-off rebate for residential utility concession holders of $200 for electricity bills.

A Barr (ACT Chief Minister), Initial economic survival package to support Territory economy, media release, 20 March 2020.

22 March 2020

The Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development announced that ACT schools would move to pupil-free days from 24 March 2020 through to the school holidays, with the ACT school system to prepare to transition to alternative teaching models from Term 2.

Y Berry (ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development), Confirmation of ACT schools response to COVID-19, media release, 22 March 2020.

23 March 2020

The Chief Minister announced the temporary closure of non-essential activities and businesses, reflecting the decision by the National Cabinet and maintaining consistency with NSW.

A Barr (ACT Chief Minister), Statement: ACT Chief Minister, media release, 23 March 2020.

25 March 2020

The Minister for Health announced that following the decision by the National Cabinet, all elective surgeries (except for Category 1 and urgent Category 2 cases) would be suspended. In addition, the ACT public health system would reduce non-urgent and non-essential outpatient and community activities.

R Stephen-Smith (ACT Minister for Health), Health service changes in response to
COVID-19, media release, 25 March 2020.

28 March 2020

The Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development announced additional laptop computers would be provided to public school students in Years 4, 5 and 6 to ensure equitable access to online and home-based learning.

Y Berry (ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development), Chromebooks rolled out to years 4, 5 and 6, media release, 28 March 2020.

29 March 2020

The Chief Minister announced additional measures to increase frontline health services, including the construction and operation of a temporary COVID-19 Emergency Department at the Canberra Hospital.

A Barr (ACT Chief Minister), ACT Chief Minister Statement: Canberrans must stay at home unless essential, media release, 29 March 2020.

April 2020

2 April 2020

The Chief Minister announced that the ACT Legislative Assembly had passed the COVID-19 Emergency Response Bill 2020, which would temporarily amend 20 pieces of legislation identified as crucial and urgent to support the ACT’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Barr (ACT Chief Minister), Temporary reforms to support ACT COVID-19 public health emergency, media release, 2 April 2020.

The Chief Minister announced additional support for households and local businesses and industries, including:

•        deferring the issuing of notices for 2019–20 quarter four commercial and domestic rates by four weeks

•        a one-off payment of up to $5,000 to taxi drivers who lease their taxi plates from private owners and

•        establishing a Jobs for Canberrans fund to allow ACT Government Directorates to continue employing people for cleaning, repairs and maintenance projects, focusing on providing opportunities to people not eligible for the Australian Government wage subsidy scheme.

A Barr (ACT Chief Minister), ACT economic survival: $124 million in support for our hospitals, local businesses & households, media release, 2 April 2020.

7 April 2020

The Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development provided clarification for senior secondary students, confirming that Year 12 students would have the opportunity to receive the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate in 2020.

Y Berry (ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development), Students can receive an ATAR for 2020, media release, 7 April 2020.

8 April 2020

The Chief Minister announced that a new COVID-19 helpline had been established to assist people to stay informed and access specific services, such as COVID-19 health referrals.

A Barr (ACT Chief Minister), Further investments to keep Canberrans & local businesses informed on COVID-19, media release, 8 April 2020.

The Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development announced that ACT public schools would move to remote learning in Term 2, beginning on Tuesday 28 April.

Y Berry (ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development), ACT public students to learn from home in term 2, media release, 8 April 2020.

15 April 2020

The ACT Government announced it had committed to implement a six-month moratorium on rental evictions for tenants suffering significant financial hardship as a result of COVID-19, as agreed by the National Cabinet. The ACT Government also indicated it would release a regulatory framework on rent payment freeze agreements and would prevent any ‘blacklisting’ of tenants who had lost income as a result of COVID-19 from occurring.

A Barr (ACT Chief Minister) and G Ramsay (ACT Attorney-General), More information to support tenants and landlords, media release, 15 April 2020.

17 April 2020

The Minister for Sport and Recreation announced a funding and relief package of $3.3 million for Canberra’s sport sector, which included $700,000 for ACT peak sport and recreation bodies and early access to the 2021 Sport and Recreation Grant Program for triennially funded organisations.

Y Berry (ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation), Sports to receive support through COVID-19, media release, 17 April 2020.

20 April 2020

The ACT Government released information on $3 million in funding to support services for people at risk of homelessness or domestic and family violence.

Y Berry (ACT Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence) and S Orr (ACT Minister for Community Services and Facilities),
COVID-19 support for Canberrans facing homelessness or domestic and family violence, media release, 20 April 2020.

22 April 2020

The Minister for Health announced that outpatient services would be moving to telehealth video technology, to complement existing face-to-face appointments, allowing patients to stay at home and protect themselves from potential exposure to COVID-19.

R Stephen-Smith (ACT Minister for Health), Telehealth—bringing healthcare to you, media release, 22 April 2020.

23 April 2020

The Minister for City Services announced a $3 million package covering tree planting and maintenance, playground refreshes and public space maintenance as part of a stimulus package for local businesses during COVID-19.

C Steel (ACT Minister for City Services), $3 million to keep CBR looking good and Canberrans in jobs, media release, 23 April 2020.

24 April 2020

The Minister for Health announced that some elective surgeries would resume from 28 April, including all Category 2 and selected Category 3 procedures.

R Stephen-Smith (ACT Minister for Health), Resumption of elective surgery in the ACT, media release, 24 April 2020.

28 April 2020

The Minister for Health announced that people who are ineligible for Medicare who require testing, treatment or other public health supports related to COVID-19 would have free access to medical care, with costs being jointly shared by the ACT and Australian Governments.

R Stephen-Smith (ACT Minister for Health), Support for Medicare ineligible patients during COVID-19, media release, 28 April 2020.

The Minister for Multicultural Affairs announced a $450,000 support package for temporary visa holders and international students affected by COVID-19, including:

•        $140,000 to provide urgent support to asylum seekers living in Canberra

•        $160,000 to the Australian Red Cross to assist other temporary visa holders and

•        $150,000 to support international students.

C Steel (ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs), ACT provides more support for temporary visa holders and international students, media release, 28 April 2020.

May 2020

1 May 2020

The ACT Government announced some easing of restrictions, including two adults plus children being able to visit another household, and people being able to leave their homes for
non-essential shopping.

A Barr (ACT Chief Minister) and Y Berry (ACT Deputy Chief Minister), Joint statement: Chief Minister & Deputy Chief Minister, media release, 1 May 2020.

5 May 2020

The Minister for Tertiary Education announced an additional 2,405 Skilled Capital places for the vocational education and training (VET) sector for areas of workforce need emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic such as health care and qualifications in community services.

C Steel (ACT Minister for Tertiary Education), More support for VET students in Canberra, media release, 5 May 2020.

6 May 2020

The Minister for Mental Health announced $4.5 million for mental health services to address increased demand from those affected by COVID-19, including:

•        $2.25 million for community mental health organisations to support existing services to meet increased demand and

•        $1.9 million to expand Canberra Health Services programs for people experiencing a mental health crisis.

S Rattenbury (ACT Minister for Mental Health), $4.5 million COVID-19 mental health support package to help Canberrans, media release, 6 May 2020.

7 May 2020

The Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development announced the planned return to on-campus learning for government schools, with a staged return starting from 18 May 2020.

Y Berry (ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development), Staged return to on-campus learning in ACT public schools, media release, 7 May 2020.

11 May 2020

The Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs announced the allocation of $580,000 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and services to boost the capacity of community-controlled organisations and culturally specific programs during
COVID-19.

R Stephen-Smith (ACT Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs), Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to respond to
COVID-19, media release, 11 May 2020.

12 May 2020

The Chief Minister announced easing of restrictions from 15 May, including allowing cafés and restaurants to seat up to ten people at one time.

A Barr (ACT Chief Minister), Statement: ACT Chief Minister, media release, 12 May 2020.

20 May 2020

The Chief Minister announced a series of waivers and deferrals for commercial property owners in the city centre for the next financial year.

A Barr (ACT Chief Minister), More
COVID-19 relief for CBD businesses, media release, 20 May 2020.

The Chief Minister provided further information on Canberra’s Recovery Plan, which included economic measures and easing of restrictions.

A Barr (ACT Chief Minister), Next steps in Canberra’s Recovery Plan, media release, 20 May 2020.

26 May 2020

The Chief Minister released Canberra’s Recovery Plan, announcing that a range of restrictions would be eased from 29 May. Changes included allowing:

•        up to 50 people to attend a funeral

•        cafés, bars, restaurants and clubs to have up to 20 people in each enclosed space and

•        beauty therapy and tattoo businesses to reopen.

A Barr (ACT Chief Minister), Canberra’s Recovery Plan—supporting our community and our economy, media release, 26 May 2020.

The Minister for the Arts, Creative Industries and Cultural Events announced RISE Canberra, an online calendar that would highlight events that are going ahead using non-traditional methods to avoid mass gatherings whilst supporting the events sector.

G Ramsay (ACT Minister for the Arts, Creative Industries and Cultural Events), RISE Canberra—supporting the events sector, media release, 26 May 2020.

29 May 2020

The ACT Government announced a range of measures to support the hotel and hospitality industries. Measures included:

•        extension of liquor licence and permits to run up to a total of 12 months free of charge to support restaurants and cafés to continue to offer takeaway and home delivery options and

•        availability of free national infection control training for over 3,800 workers, jointly funded with the Australian Government.

A Barr (ACT Chief Minister) and G Ramsay (ACT Minister for Business and Regulatory Services), Hotel and hospitality industry support package, media release, 29 May 2020.

June 2020

3 June 2020

The Minister for Health announced eased restrictions for hospital visitors, moving to allow a patient to have up to two visitors per day, one at a time.

R Stephen-Smith (ACT Minister for Health), Hospital visitor access restrictions eased, media release, 3 June 2020.

4 June 2020

The Chief Minister announced significant reductions in stamp duty for some eventual owner-occupier purchases to encourage growth in the residential property construction sector.

A Barr (ACT Chief Minister), Significant stamp duty cuts to support local jobs, media release, 4 June 2020.

9 June 2020

The Chief Minister announced the expansion of the Jobs for Canberrans Fund to $28 million, with a further 100 people to gain employment with the ACT Public Service.

A Barr (ACT Chief Minister), More jobs for Canberrans as Fund extended, media release, 9 June 2020.

12 June 2020

The Chief Minister announced the further easing of restrictions from 19 June, including allowing:

•        cafés, restaurants, bars and other licenced venues to seat up to 100 people per enclosed space, and be able to serve alcohol without a meal to seated patrons and

•        contact sports to start full training from 19 June to start their transition back to competitions from 10 July.

A Barr (ACT Chief Minister), Next stage of Canberra’s Recovery Plan—choose local, to support our locals, media release, 12 June 2020.

15 June 2020

The Chief Minister announced that a range of government fees and charges would not increase in the 2020–21 financial year, including vehicle registration fees and land title fees.

A Barr (ACT Chief Minister), More support for Canberra households & businesses, media release, 15 June 2020.

24 June 2020

The Minister for Arts, Creative Industries and Cultural Events announced $1.07 million in funding for nine arts organisations that had been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

G Ramsay (ACT Minister for Arts, Creative Industries and Cultural Events), Funding boost for the Canberra arts community during COVID, media release, 24 June 2020.

26 June 2020

The Minister for Disability announced the first phase of funding under the ACT COVID-19 Disability Strategy, with the aim of improving support for people with disability, their carers and their families.

S Orr (ACT Minister for Disability), More funding to support Canberrans with disability, media release, 26 June 2020.

Table 5: announcements made by the New South Wales Government

Milestones

Details

Source documents

January 2020

21 January 2020

NSW Health announced that it would assist Commonwealth Biosecurity staff at Sydney Airport to monitor travellers arriving from Wuhan. It also noted that nCoV-19 was a notifiable disease under the Public Health Act (NSW), and that procedures were in place for identifying cases and contact tracing should it become necessary.

NSW Ministry of Health, NSW Health advice to travellers returning from Wuhan, China, media release, 21 January 2020.

25 January 2020

NSW Health released information that five people were being tested for nCoV-19.

NSW Ministry of Health, Novel coronavirus statistics—11 am, media release, 25 January 2020.

NSW Health updated previous information, stating that seven people were being tested for nCoV-19.

NSW Ministry of Health, Novel coronavirus statistics—5 pm, media release, 25 January 2020.

NSW Health confirmed that three people had been diagnosed with nCoV-19. In addition, it urged people who had recently returned from Wuhan or been in direct contact with a person who had nCoV-19 to familiarise themselves with the symptoms and seek an immediate health assessment if symptoms developed within 14 days.

NSW Ministry of Health, Coronavirus cases confirmed in NSW, media release, 25 January 2020.

February 2020

6 February 2020

NSW Health released a statement in response to concerns about nCoV-19 misinformation.

NSW Ministry of Health, Be aware of the symptoms, be wary of false reports, media release, 6 February 2020.

10 February 2020

The Minister for Health announced that a team of scientists and pathologists from NSW Health Pathology had successfully cultured the
SARS-CoV2 virus, which would support improved testing and research in NSW and around the world.

B Hazzard (NSW Minister for Health), NSW researchers breakthrough on coronavirus, media release, 10 February 2020.

13 February 2020

NSW Health released an update on the four patients who had been diagnosed with
COVID-19 in NSW to date, stating that all four people had been discharged from hospital.

NSW Ministry of Health, Fourth coronavirus case in NSW now in the clear, media release, 13 February 2020.

14 February 2020

NSW Health released a statement that it was assisting Australian Government agencies to undertake assessments for COVID-19 of travellers entering Australia who had been in China in the last 14 days, including passengers arriving by cruise ship.

NSW Ministry of Health, Cruise ship in Sydney Harbour, media release, 14 February 2020.

27 February 2020

The NSW Government requested that individuals and businesses take steps to prepare for a possible COVID-19 pandemic converging with the winter flu season, including through implementing hygiene measures and businesses starting to review their continuity plans.

NSW Ministry of Health, Community urged to help prevent coronavirus, media release, 27 February 2020.

March 2020

3 March 2020

NSW Health advised that a 95-year-old woman died in hospital the night before. She was transferred to hospital from the Dorothy Henderson Lodge aged care facility at Macquarie Park after developing a respiratory illness.

NSW Ministry of Health, Nurse and resident diagnosed with COVID-19, media release, 4 March 2020.

15 March 2020

The Minister for Health made an Order under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) to force the immediate cancellation of major events with more than 500 people.

B Hazzard (NSW Minister for Health), Special state powers triggered to combat COVID-19, media release, 15 March 2020.

17 March 2020

The NSW Government announced a $2.3 billion health and economic stimulus package. The package had two parts: $700 million in extra health funding, and $1.6 billion in tax cuts. The health funding would support doubling ICU capacity, preparing for additional COVID-19 testing, purchasing additional equipment, establishing acute respiratory clinics and bringing forward elective surgeries to private hospitals.

The economic stimulus included waiving payroll tax for businesses with payrolls of up to $10 million for three months, bringing forward capital works and maintenance, and funding to employ additional cleaning staff for small businesses.

G Berejiklian (NSW Premier), D Perrottet (NSW Treasurer) and B Hazzard (NSW Minister for Health), $2.3 billion health boost and economic stimulus, media release, 17 March 2020.

18 March 2020

The Minister for Health stated that the NSW Government supported the measures announced by the Prime Minister earlier that day, which included:

•        a ban on non-essential indoor gatherings of 100 people or more (including staff)

•        people only considering travel when it is essential

•        strict visitor rules for aged care facilities

•        social distancing of 1.5 metres and

•        lifting work restrictions on 20,000 student nurses so they can be engaged to assist with the response to the pandemic.

B Hazzard (NSW Minister for Health), Update COVID-19, media release, 18 March 2020.

20 March 2020

NSW Health advised that four people on the cruise ship Ruby Princess had tested positive for COVID-19. The cruise ship had returned to Sydney from New Zealand the day before, at which point passengers had disembarked. All passengers and remaining crew had been advised to self-isolate for 14 days.

NSW Ministry of Health, Cruise ship passengers identified with COVID-19, media release, 20 March 2020.

23 March 2020

The NSW Premier announced new restrictions following the decision by the National Cabinet in which non-essential activities and businesses would be temporarily shut down. While schools would continue to remain open, parents were encouraged to keep their children at home.

G Berejiklian (NSW Premier), New
COVID-19 restrictions begin as schools move towards online learning, media release, 23 March 2020.

24 March 2020

The NSW Government introduced the COVID-19 Legislation Amendment (Emergency Measures) Bill, which would make temporary measures in many areas, including health, justice, corrections, planning and local government.

NSW Government,
COVID-19: Emergency laws introduced to parliament to boost community safety, news, 24 March 2020.

25 March 2020

The NSW Government announced changes to normal controls that restrict hours of operation for supermarkets and pharmacies, to allow them to operate 24 hours a day.

NSW Government, Supermarkets and pharmacies now able to operate 24/7, news, 25 March 2020.

31 March 2020

The Minister for Health announced additional powers that allowed pharmacists to dispense medicines without a prescription if patients cannot access their GP.

B Hazzard (NSW Minister for Health), New powers for pharmacists dispensing medicine, media release, 31 March 2020.

The NSW Government released an overview of activities undertaken in response to increased risks of domestic and family violence due to social distancing, self-isolating, and quarantine. These included:

•        enabling Provisional Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders to remain in place for up to six months and

•        increased use of audio visual link technology in the Local Court.

In addition, a number of supports were put into place for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness, including additional support for temporary accommodation.

NSW Government, Domestic violence support during
COVID-19 crisis, news, 31 March 2020.

The NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW urged people to cancel
non-essential travel to regional NSW towns and remote communities.

NSW Government, Please cancel travel to regional NSW, news, 31 March 2020.

The NSW Government stated that the NSW Treasury would support the immediate payment of all current suppliers in advance of the contracted payment terms as part of the Faster Payments scheme to help businesses maintain their cash flow.

NSW Government, Faster payments to inject $750 million into NSW economy in the next week, news, 31 March 2020.

April 2020

1 April 2020

The NSW Government launched a portal for companies to offer to supply or build parts for eight urgently needed items, including hand sanitiser, gloves, cleaning products and protective clothing.

NSW Government, Locals to fill the medical supply chain, news, 1 April 2020.

2 April 2020

The NSW Government announced that it would ease requirements for setting up and operating ‘dark kitchens’ (which cook meals for delivery) and improve flexibility for food trucks to support the food and beverage industry.

NSW Government, Planning rules relaxed for food trucks and ‘dark kitchens’, news, 2 April 2020.

The NSW Government announced changes to existing controls on construction sites, allowing them to operate on weekends and public holidays, with the extended hours assisting the industry to maintain social distancing on construction sites.

NSW Government, Construction hours extended to support industry during
COVID-19, news, 2 April 2020.

3 April 2020

The NSW Government announced the Planning System Acceleration Program, which included:

•        fast-tracking assessments of State Significant Developments, rezoning and development applications (DAs)

•        supporting local councils and planning panels to fast-track local and regionally significant DAs and

•        clearing the backlog of cases in the Land and Environment Court with additional Acting Commissioners.

NSW Government, Jobs boost through fast-tracked planning systems, news, 3 April 2020.

The Premier announced that $750 million would be added to the Small Business Support Fund to help keep small businesses afloat.

G Berejiklian (NSW Premier), $10,000 grants to provide fast relief for NSW small businesses battling COVID-19, media release, 3 April 2020.

6 April 2020

The NSW Government urged eligible organisations to apply for grants under the Combatting Social Isolation for Seniors during COVID-19 program.

NSW Government, Funding to combat isolation for seniors, news, 6 April 2020.

7 April 2020

The Premier announced funding to provide health workers with the option of staying in free out-of-home accommodation during the pandemic.

G Berejiklian (NSW Premier), $100m support for health workers to fight
COVID-19, media release, 7 April 2020.

9 April 2020

The NSW Government introduced temporary new measures under which a person who intentionally coughs or spits on health workers, police, pharmacists, paramedics or other public officials could be fined $5,000.

NSW Government, Record $5000 on-the-spot fine for spitters, news, 9 April 2020.

The Premier announced that the NSW Government would provide up to $82 million to support council childcare centres not eligible for JobKeeper payments, and $51 million for free preschool for up to six months. The funding aimed to provide financial relief for families and ensure the viability of childcare centres.

G Berejiklian (NSW Premier), Free preschool in NSW for up to six months, media release, 9 April 2020.

12 April 2020

The NSW Government announced that GPs and nurse practitioners could now send a digital image of a prescription to pharmacists.

NSW Government, Doctors to send digital scripts to pharmacists, news, 12 April 2020.

13 April 2020

The NSW Government announced new land tax concessions for both the commercial and residential sectors and stated that it would give effect to the National Cabinet Code of Conduct to provide greater protection from evictions during the pandemic.

NSW Government, NSW Government offers $440 million land tax break to support tenants and landlords, news, 12 April 2020.

15 April 2020

The Premier announced the establishment of the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Ruby Princess and appointed Bret Walker SC as the Commissioner for the inquiry.

G Berejiklian (NSW Premier), Special commission of inquiry into Ruby Princess, media release, 15 April 2020.

18 April 2020

The NSW Government announced an additional $25 million to support research related to COVID-19.

NSW Government, $25 million research fund to tackle
COVID-19, news, 18 April 2020.

20 April 2020

The NSW Government announced additional funding for Business Connect to assist small and medium businesses.

NSW Government, $14 million boost to continue to assist small businesses across NSW, news, 20 April 2020.

21 April 2020

The NSW Government announced that NSW school students would gradually transition back to classrooms in Term 2. From week three of Term 2, every student would be attending school for one day a week, with a view to having all children back at school full-time by Term 3.

The NSW Government also committed $95.7 million to help keep casual and temporary school staff engaged during the pandemic.

G Berejiklian (NSW Premier) and S Mitchell (NSW Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning), NSW students to transition back to the classroom in Term 2, media release, 21 April 2020.

22 April 2020

The NSW Government announced a new temporary regulation that allowed video conferencing to be used in witnessing important legal documents, such as wills and powers of attorney.

NSW Government, COVID-19: video tech for witnessing legal documents, news, 22 April 2020.

24 April 2020

The NSW Government announced expanded COVID-19 testing criteria, enabling anyone with symptoms to be tested.

NSW Government, COVID-19 testing to double: anyone with symptoms can now be tested, news, 24 April 2020.

The NSW Government announced $73 million to support people’s mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic.

G Berejiklian (NSW Premier) and B Taylor (NSW Minister for Mental Health), $73 million to support mental wellness during COVID-19 pandemic, media release, 24 April 2020.

26 April 2020

The NSW Government welcomed the COVID-19 in Schools—the Experience in NSW report by the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, which found no evidence that students transmitted the virus to adults during Term 1 in the schools studied.

NSW Government, Report: COVID-19 in schools and the experience in NSW, news, 26 April 2020.

The NSW Government announced a $395 million economic stimulus package to support local councils.

NSW Government, $395m economic stimulus package to safeguard council jobs, services and infrastructure, news, 26 April 2020.

27 April 2020

The NSW Government announced additional funding of $30 million for the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance Scheme to support households that may be unable to pay their energy bills during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NSW Government, NSW Government bill relief for energy customers, news, 27 April 2020.

The NSW Government announced that it would waive licence fees for businesses that use school sites until the end of Term 2.

NSW Government, Licence fees frozen for school businesses, news, 27 April 2020.

28 April 2020

The Premier announced the easing of some restrictions, including allowing up to two adults and dependent children to visit another household from 1 May, a return to face-to-face teaching from 11 May and increased retail activity with some businesses choosing to reopen.

G Berejiklian (NSW Premier), Update on COVID-19 restrictions, media release, 28 April 2020.

May 2020

3 May 2020

The NSW Government announced that it would ease restrictions to allow property inspections and on-site auctions to recommence.

NSW Government, NSW ready to reopen front door on property inspections and on-site auctions, news, 3 May 2020.

6 May 2020

The NSW Government encouraged people and organisations to register on the new Emergency Support Volunteering website to help support people impacted by COVID-19.

NSW Government, New volunteering platform to support vulnerable amid COVID-19, news, 6 May 2020.

10 May 2020

The NSW Government announced that it would be easing a number of restrictions from 15 May, including by allowing:

•        outdoor gatherings of up to ten people

•        cafés and restaurants to seat up to ten people at any one time and

•        up to five visitors to a household at any one time.

NSW Government, NSW to ease COVID-19 restrictions from Friday 15 May, news, 10 May 2020.

12 May 2020

The NSW Government announced that it would be introducing three Bills to the Parliament for debate. The Bills would expand on legislation introduced in March and include extraordinary regulation-making powers to support social distancing measures.

NSW Government,
COVID-19: Parliament to consider pandemic reforms, news, 12 May 2020.

18 May 2020

The NSW Government announced that it would fund temporary crisis accommodation as part of a $20 million package to support stranded international students.

NSW Government, NSW Government supporting international students through COVID-19, news, 18 May 2020.

19 May 2020

The NSW Premier announced the return to
full-time, face-to-face teaching for school students from Monday 25 May.

G Berejiklian (NSW Premier), NSW students return to the classroom full-time, media release, 19 May 2020.

24 May 2020

The NSW Premier announced a $50 million Rescue and Restart package for not-for-profit NSW arts and cultural organisations assessed as being in financial distress.

G Berejiklian (NSW Premier), $50 million package for NSW arts and culture, media release, 19 May 2020.

26 May 2020

The NSW Government announced that it would provide $12.8 million to help support people experiencing domestic violence during the pandemic.

NSW Government, Funding boost to support domestic violence during
COVID-19, news, 26 May 2020.

June 2020

1 June 2020

The NSW Government announced that it would be further easing restrictions from 1 June, including by allowing:

•        travel to regional NSW for a holiday

•        up to 50 people to attend places of worship and attend a funeral and

•        camping grounds and caravan parks to open.

NSW Government, New COVID-19 restrictions in place across NSW, news, 11 June 2020.

The NSW Government announced that it would run thousands of additional services on the Sydney public transport network to increase capacity for people to maintain physical distance.

NSW Government, Public transport services boosted for physical distancing, news, 1 June 2020.

2 June 2020

The NSW Government announced that it would be further easing restrictions from 1 July, including by allowing:

•          gyms and fitness studios to reopen with up to ten people per class and 100 people in an indoor venue

•          children’s sport and community sports competition for people aged up to 18 years to resume and

•          tattoo and massage parlours to reopen with up to ten clients.

NSW Government, Gyms and kids sports to reopen across NSW, news, 2 June 2020.

9 June 2020

The NSW Government announced its $750 million Loan Guarantee scheme for NSW universities to help them recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NSW Government, Universities get a $750 million lifeline, news, 9 June 2020.

10 June 2020

The NSW Government announced that it would ease restrictions on adult community sport, and that food and drink premises in stadiums would be able to open.

NSW Government, ‘Adult community sport to recommence in NSW’, NSW Government website.

15 June 2020

The NSW Government announced further easing of restrictions in NSW government schools from 15 June, including external providers such as music tutors being able to provide services on school sites.

NSW Government, COVID-19 restrictions ease at NSW public schools, news, 15 June 2020.

The NSW Government announced a $27.3 million Community Support Recovery Package that included a one-off grant of up to $1,000 to nearly 12,500 local sporting clubs and associations.

NSW Government, Recovery package to support local sport return, news, 15 June 2020.

16 June 2020

The NSW Government announced $388 million in funding to help fast track elective surgeries that were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the funding allowing public patients to be treated in private hospitals.

NSW Government, $388 million funding for elective surgeries, news, 16 June 2020.

25 June 2020

The NSW Government announced that it would introduce a 50 per cent fine reduction for people experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.

NSW Government, Financial support for paying and resolving fines, news, 25 June 2020.

Table 6: announcements made by the Northern Territory Government

Milestones

Details

Source documents

February 2020

10 February 2020

The Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture announced a $2 million Immediate Tourism Resilience Plan to minimise the impact of the bushfires and the coronavirus outbreak on the NT tourism industry, with the Plan funding marketing and industry initiatives.

E Lawler (Acting NT Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture), $2 million Immediate Tourism Resilience Plan for the Northern Territory, media release, 10 February 2020.

March 2020

4 March 2020

NT Health confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in the Territory.

NT Department of Health, First confirmed COVID-19 case in Northern Territory, news, 4 March 2020.

16 March 2020

The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture announced changes to planned events for the first part of 2020 in response to the Australian Government’s recommendation against holding events with 500 people or more.

L Moss (NT Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture), Update on events affected by COVID-19 measures, media release, 16 March 2020.

18 March 2020

The Chief Minister announced a $65 million Jobs Rescue & Recovery Plan, which included:

•        a $20 million business improvement scheme

•        $5 million in immediate work grants and

•        freezing government fees and charges and electricity prices.

M Gunner (NT Chief Minister), The Territory’s Jobs Rescue & Recovery Plan, media release, 18 March 2020.

The NT Government advised of dedicated COVID-19 hotlines for the NT, including for people needing to arrange to be tested and for remote community travel.

NT Government, ‘Updates’, NT Government coronavirus (COVID-19) website.

19 March 2020

The Minister for Health declared a Public Health Emergency for the NT.

NT Government, Public Health Emergency declared, update, 19 March 2020.

20 March 2020

Following the National Cabinet in-principle agreement for the Biosecurity Act (Cth) to be used to restrict travel in and out of remote communities, the NT Chief Minister advised that all 76 remote communities in the NT would have the Act applied to them, as requested by the Land Councils and the National Aboriginal and Community Controlled Health Organisation.

M Gunner (NT Chief Minister), Chief Minister—media statement—National Cabinet, media release, 20 March 2020.

21 March 2020

The Chief Minister announced new border restrictions for all access points from 24 March, with people arriving from interstate being required to quarantine for 14 days, with limited exemptions.

M Gunner (NT Chief Minister), Securing the borders to protect Territorians, media release, 21 March 2020.

23 March 2020

The Chief Minister released a statement advising people of the decisions made at the National Cabinet to introduce temporary measures to close a number of businesses, including gyms and bars, and to limit the number of attendees at weddings and funerals. Remote communities were exempt from these restrictions, given other measures previously implemented. In addition, the decision to send children to school would be a choice for parents for the remainder of the term.

M Gunner (NT Chief Minister), Statement from the Chief Minister, media release, 23 March 2020.

The NT Government announced a $50 million Small Business Survival Fund, targeted to industries that had been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including hospitality and tourism.

M Gunner (NT Chief Minister) and N Manison (NT Treasurer), $50 million fund to help our small businesses survive, media release, 23 March 2020.

24 March 2020

The Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics announced a $2 million support package to retain Regular Passenger Transport aviation services, ensuring minimum services to regional and remote towns would continue.

E Lawler (NT Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics), Supporting the Territory’s aviation sector, media release, 24 March 2020.

25 March 2020

The Chief Minister launched the Territory Jobs Hub, seeking to connect employers with jobseekers affected by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

M Gunner (NT Chief Minister), Job rescue: connecting Territorians to work, media release, 25 March 2020.

26 March 2020

The Minister for Education announced that the final four days of the school term would be student-free, and instead would be professional development days for staff to prepare for Term 2.

S Uibo (NT Minister for Education), Keeping Territory kids learning and supporting teachers in the time of COVID-19, media release, 26 March 2020.

27 March 2020

The Chief Minister advised that from 28 March, every person required to be in self-quarantine would be checked to make sure they were compliant.

M Gunner (NT Chief Minister), Statement from the Chief Minister, media release, 27 March 2020.

30 March 2020

The NT Government announced that it would establish a $5 million Worker & Wellbeing Fund to support local workers struggling with the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund would include services like financial counselling and relationship counselling.

M Gunner (NT Chief Minister) and D Wakefield (NT Minister for Territory Families), $5 million Worker & Wellbeing Fund, media release, 30 March 2020.

April 2020

4 April 2020

The Minister for Education announced that in the event of schools being forced to close due to COVID-19, the more than 1,700 casual staff employed by NT government schools would continue to be paid.

S Uibo (NT Minister for Education), Supporting workers: Territory Labor Government guarantees 1700 causal school jobs, media release, 4 April 2020.

6 April 2020

The Minister for Education announced that the Government would spend $10.8 million to build pre-fabricated classrooms to support the construction industry, with the majority of the classrooms likely to be transported to remote communities once the existing restrictions were lifted.

S Uibo (NT Minister for Education), Supporting jobs and building better schools: $10.8 million education stimulus, media release, 6 April 2020.

8 April 2020

The Minister for Education announced a Remote Community Schools Package to incentivise teachers and school staff not to leave their communities for the term break.

S Uibo (NT Minister for Education), School holiday incentives for remote teachers to remain in community, media release, 8 April 2020.

The Chief Minister announced $180 million in additional support as part of the Jobs Rescue and Recovery Plan, with actions including abolishing payroll tax for six months for smaller and medium-sized businesses that have experienced substantial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

M Gunner (NT Chief Minister), Business relief for payroll, power, rent and rates, media release, 8 April 2020.

The Member for Arnhem released a statement acknowledging the Australian Government had quickly responded to the request for Mataranka to be removed from the designated biosecurity area.

S Uibo (Member for Arnhem), Mataranka removed from Roper Gulf designated biosecurity area, media release, 8 April 2020.

9 April 2020

The Minister for Territory Families advised that the NT Government was working with youth service providers to adapt their service delivery in the lead-up to the April school holidays in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

D Wakefield (Minister for Territory Families), Innovation for the Territory’s youth services in COVID-19 times, media release, 9 April 2020.

16 April 2020

The Chief Minister announced the second stage of the Small Business Survival Fund, with $20 million of the fund being used to help cover operational costs for businesses.

M Gunner (NT Chief Minister), $20 million to keep Territory businesses operating and Territorians working, media release, 16 April 2020.

20 April 2020

The Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics announced amendments to planning rules and approvals during the COVID-19 pandemic, including implementing exemptions and amendments relating to hours of operation for food and retail businesses, and working from home.

E Lawler (NT Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics), Supporting jobs: planning changes to keep approvals and work running, media release, 20 April 2020.

The Treasurer announced that gaming machine taxes for March 2020 would be waived and the gaming tax rate would return to its 2016 level.

N Manison (NT Treasurer), Supporting hospitality and community clubs, media release, 20 April 2020.

23 April 2020

The Minister for Local Government, Housing and Community Development announced measures to support local governments, including the establishment of a $6 million Council Support Package in 2020–21 to support councils in offering rates waivers and deferrals for commercial ratepayers facing hardship.

G McCarthy (NT Minister for Local Government, Housing and Community Development),
COVID-19 support for local government sector, media release, 23 April 2020.

27 April 2020

The NT Government announced that some parks would begin reopening from 1 May 2020.

M Gunner (NT Chief Minister) and L Moss (NT Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture), Territory parks to start opening from this weekend, media release, 27 April 2020.

30 April 2020

The Chief Minister released the Territory Roadmap to the New Normal, with stage one adjustments to commence from 1 May, including recommencement of outdoor sports that can maintain physical distancing and the opening of public pools. Stage two activities would commence from 15 May 2020.

M Gunner (NT Chief Minister), The Territory Roadmap to the New Normal, media release, 30 April 2020.

May 2020

6 May 2020

The Minister for Health announced one-off grants of up to $10,000 for NT childcare operators to offset the costs of supplies, cleaning and maintenance, and a decline in enrolments.

N Fyles (NT Minister for Health), Support the Territory’s childcare workers through COVID-19, media release, 6 May 2020.

12 May 2020

The Minister for Territory Families announced ten organisations focused on domestic and family violence services would receive close to $3 million in funding for 35 projects.

D Wakefield (Minister for Territory Families), Boosting domestic and family violence services during COVID-19, media release, 12 May 2020.

19 May 2020

The Acting Minister for Workforce Training announced that the NT Government would match the $400,000 in Australian Government funding to deliver infection control training for customer-facing industries.

P Kirby (Acting NT Minister for Workforce Training), $800,000 for infection control training for Territory businesses, media release, 19 May 2020.

28 May 2020

The Chief Minister announced changes to quarantine arrangements from 15 June, with the NT transitioning from mandatory monitored quarantine to mandatory self-quarantine. New arrangements also included a requirement that people be tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours of their quarantine and again in the final 72 hours of their quarantine.

M Gunner (NT Chief Minister), Changes to quarantine arrangements to put Territorians first, media release, 28 May 2020.

June 2020

22 June 2020

The NT Government announced that the Australian and Northern Territory Governments would support infrastructure construction jobs across the NT by jointly investing an additional $53 million to deliver shovel-ready infrastructure projects and urgent road safety upgrades.

M Gunner (NT Chief Minister) and E Lawler (NT Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics), $53 million to unlock infrastructure jobs in the NT, media release, 22 June 2020.

Table 7: announcements made by the Queensland Government

Milestones

Details

Source documents

January 2020

29 January 2020

The Queensland Chief Health Officer confirmed the first case of nCoV-19 in Queensland. The Queensland Government advised that all children and staff who had returned from China (including Hong Kong) in the previous two weeks should not attend school, childcare or TAFE within 14 days of their departure from China.

J Young (Queensland Chief Health Officer), Queensland coronavirus update, media release, 29 January 2020.

February 2020

14 February 2020

The Treasurer announced a $3.67 million fee relief package for tourism operators at the Cairns Marina as part of support for Far North Queensland given the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

J Trad (Queensland Treasurer), Palaszczuk Government backs tourism jobs at Cairns marina, media release, 14 February 2020.

18 February 2020

The Premier announced a $27.25 million coronavirus package, including:

•        international tourism promotion

•        waiving fees for fishers and

•        deferring tourism lease payments.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier), $27.25 million coronavirus aid package, media release, 18 February 2020.

March 2020

2 March 2020

The Queensland Government announced it would defer payroll tax payments for six months for small and medium businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

J Trad (Queensland Treasurer) and S Fentiman (Queensland Minister for Employment and Small Business), Palaszczuk Government steps in to help small businesses affected by coronavirus, media release, 2 March 2020.

10 March 2020

The Minister for Education issued a Directive banning international travel for state school students and staff for all destinations other than New Zealand.

G Grace (Queensland Minister for Education), International travel ban for state school teachers and students, media release, 10 March 2020.

17 March 2020

The Queensland Government announced that it would create a $500 million loan facility, interest free for the first 12 months, to support businesses to keep staff in work and extend the coronavirus payroll tax deferral to all businesses.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier) and J Trad (Queensland Treasurer), Palaszczuk Government offers $500m in loans to support workers in businesses affected by coronavirus, media release, 17 March 2020.

18 March 2020

The Minister for the Arts announced a 12 month extension of funding for companies that were recipients of the 2017–20 Organisations Fund.

L Enoch (Queensland Minister for the Arts), Queensland Government to assist arts sector through COVID-19 crisis, media release, 18 March 2020.

21 March 2020

The Minister for Communities announced the Community Recovery Hotline for people in home quarantine to access advice, information and support.

C O’Rourke (Queensland Minister for Communities), Support Hotline opens for vulnerable Queenslanders in COVID-19 quarantine, media release, 21 March 2020.

22 March 2020

The Queensland Government announced a $17 million joint funding package with the Australian Government and the Paul Ramsay Foundation to support the University of Queensland’s work to develop a vaccine for COVID-19.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier) and K Jones (Queensland Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry and Development), State and Federal Govts fund development of
COVID-19 vaccine, media release, 22 March 2020.

23 March 2020

The Minister for Health announced that some businesses would be required to close or limit their operation from 23 March 2020, including sporting centres and places of worship having to close.

S Miles (Queensland Minister for Health), Business closures and restrictions, media release, 23 March 2020.

24 March 2020

The Queensland Government announced a $4 billion package to support health, employment, households and businesses, including:

•        assisting people who have lost their job or income to find jobs in essential industries

•        waiving payroll tax for small and medium businesses for three months

•        increasing emergency department capacity and

•        expanding regional aeromedical services for remote communities.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier), J Trad (Queensland Treasurer), S Miles (Queensland Minister for Health) and S Fentiman (Queensland Minister for Employment and Small Business), Palaszczuk Government unveils $4 billion package to support health, jobs, households and Queensland businesses, media release, 24 March 2020.

The Premier announced that Queensland would restrict access at the border from midnight the following night. In addition, people living in Queensland were asked not to travel unless absolutely necessary. Measures included:

•        border road closures and police checks on vehicles on major highways

•        advice to aircraft passengers at their departure point that travellers to Queensland would be required to self-isolate for 14 days

•        travellers arriving at Queensland airports to be met by police and other officers and

•        termination of rail services.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier), Border control slows virus spread, media release, 24 March 2020.

25 March 2020

Queensland Health advised of the first death from COVID-19 in Queensland. It was the second person from Queensland to die, after a woman from the Sunshine Coast earlier died in Sydney.

Queensland Department of Health, Queensland novel coronavirus (COVID-19) update, media release, 25 March 2020.

The Minister for Housing and Public Works announced a range of measures to support vulnerable people, particularly those at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness, with the Queensland Government to invest $24.7 million in a housing and homelessness plan.

M de Brenni (Queensland Minister for Housing and Public Works), $24.7 million coronavirus housing and homelessness response, media release, 25 March 2020.

26 March 2020

The Queensland Government announced that state schools would be student-free until the end of Term 1. Schools would remain open for children of essential workers.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier) and G Grace (Queensland Minister for Education), Student free days for Queensland state schools next week, media release, 26 March 2020.

The Minister for Employment and Small Business announced that the Queensland Government was partnering with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ), providing CCIQ with $360,000 to run proactive outreach to small businesses and expand its call centre’s capacity to support businesses, with services available to non-members. This is in addition to the $2.5 billion dollar package announced for small businesses the previous week.

S Fentiman (Queensland Minister for Employment and Small Business), State Government joins forces with industry to support small business, media release, 26 March 2020.

28 March 2020

The Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships advised that strict travel restrictions to Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities were in place following the new requirements issued by the Australian Government under the Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth).

J Trad (Queensland Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships), Strict travel restrictions in place for Queensland’s Indigenous communities, media release, 27 March 2020.

April 2020

1 April 2020

The Queensland Government announced that it was expanding the Community Recovery Hotline to link older people and other vulnerable people to essential services and support.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier) and K Jones (Queensland Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry and Development), Care army mobilised to support and protect seniors from coronavirus, media release, 1 April 2020.

The Minister for Police announced increased border restrictions from 3 April 2020, with only people who are Queensland residents or who have an exemption able to enter the state. The restrictions replaced arrangements which enabled people to cross the border provided they self-quarantined for 14 days. 

M Ryan (Queensland Minister for Police), Stronger border controls imminent, media release, 1 April 2020.

5 April 2020

The Queensland Government announced that it would provide $1.2 million to a Queensland-based company to start making disposable N95 surgical masks in high volume.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier) and C Dick (Queensland Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning), Queensland manufacturers Evolve in time of need, media release, 5 April 2020.

6 April 2020

The Queensland Government announced $17.5 million in funding to provide health workers with the option of staying in
out-of-home accommodation if the pandemic worsens.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier) and S Miles (Queensland Minister for Health), $17.5 million plan to protect families of health heroes, media release, 6 April 2020.

The Queensland Government announced a three month gaming tax deferral for pubs and clubs, estimated to be worth about $50 million.

Y D’Ath (Queensland Attorney-General), $50 million in tax relief for Queensland pubs and clubs, media release, 6 April 2020.

7 April 2020

The Premier announced that cruise ships had been banned from entering Queensland waters, and that any remaining vessels would need to leave by the following day.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier), Queensland
COVID-19—Tuesday, April 7, media release, 7 April 2020.

The Queensland Government acknowledged the ‘ingenuity, agility and generosity’ of industry and community stakeholders to ensure readily scalable supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is available if needed.
A web-link was set up so manufacturers and suppliers could register what they need and what was available to help keep supply chains open.

C Dick (Queensland Minister for Manufacturing) and S Miles (Queensland Minister for Health), PPE supply chain boosted by industry and community, media release, 7 April 2020.

8 April 2020

The Queensland Government announced just under $5.5 million in funding for domestic and family violence services and an awareness campaign.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier), M Ryan (Queensland Minister for Police) and D Farmer (Queensland Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence), $5.5m to boost domestic violence services during
COVID-19 pandemic, media release, 8 April 2020.

9 April 2020

The Queensland Government announced that it would implement measures to freeze evictions following agreement by the National Cabinet, along with rental support and protections for people experiencing domestic and family violence, allowing them to leave a rental property in a hurry.

J Trad (Queensland Deputy Premier) and M de Brenni (Queensland Minister for Housing and Public Works), Special
COVID-19 protections for residential tenants and owners, media release, 9 April 2020.

The Deputy Premier announced a series of measures to protect commercial and retail tenants, with the measures underpinned by $400 million in land tax relief for property owners that must be passed on to tenants.

J Trad (Queensland Deputy Premier), Palaszczuk Government moves to protect retail and commercial tenants, media release, 9 April 2020.

12 April 2020

The Queensland Government announced a $17 million package for community kindergartens, which would enable more than 22,000 children to continue a free kindergarten program.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier) and G Grace (Queensland Minister for Education), $17 million relief package enables free community kindergarten for term 2, media release, 12 April 2020.

13 April 2020

The Queensland Government announced school students would be learning from home for the first five weeks of Term 2 (until 22 May), with schools only open for children of essential workers.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier) and G Grace (Queensland Minister for Education), Initial Term 2 school arrangements for Queensland announced, media release, 13 April 2020.

14 April 2020

The Queensland Government announced $28 million in funding to support
community-based health service groups to respond to the pandemic and continue their services.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier) and S Miles (Queensland Minister for Health), Boost for grassroots health care provider groups hampered by COVID-19 impact in Queensland, media release, 14 April 2020.

16 April 2020

The Queensland Government announced a new portal that connects people who have lost their job due to COVID-19 with new job opportunities as part of the $4 billion package of measures announced in March.

J Trad (Queensland Deputy Premier) and S Fentiman (Queensland Minister for Employment and Small Business), Connecting Queenslanders with jobs and training, media release, 16 April 2020.

22 April 2020

The Queensland Government announced the Online Student Hub (a digital counselling service), and isolation care-packs, pre-prepared meals and other living expense payments for international students.

K Jones (Queensland Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development), Queensland Government ramps up support for visiting students, media release, 22 April 2020.

The Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women announced more than $60,000 in funding for the CREATE Foundation to support children in care and check on them while COVID-19 restrictions are in place.

D Farmer (Queensland Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women), CREATE-ive help for kids in care during COVID-19, media release, 22 April 2020.

The Treasurer advised that the Appropriation (COVID-19) Bill 2020, which provided additional funding of over $4 billion over two years, passed state Parliament.

J Trad (Queensland Treasurer), Palaszczuk Government delivers support for health, jobs and business, media release, 22 April 2020.

23 April 2020

The Premier announced $4.5 million in funding for two charities severely impacted by the pandemic, with Lifeline to receive $3.5 million and Legacy to receive a $1 million grant.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier), $4.5 million boost for Queensland charities, media release, 23 April 2020.

The Attorney-General advised that legal practitioners would be able to use video conferencing technology to conduct a range of transactions following the passing of legislation in state Parliament.

Y D’Ath (Queensland Attorney-General), Video conferencing to facilitate legal transactions in era of social distancing, media release, 23 April 2020.

24 April 2020

The Queensland Government announced a $2.3 million package to support port businesses across Far North Queensland, providing rental relief for the region’s tourism, resource and seafood sectors.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier), J Trad (Queensland Treasurer) and M Bailey (Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads), New COVID-19 package to anchor FNQ port related businesses, media release, 24 April 2020.

The Queensland Government enacted the National Cabinet’s moratorium on evictions and published the Residential Tenancies Practice Guide, which formalised temporary arrangements and protections for tenancies impacted by COVID-19.

M de Brenni (Queensland Minister for Housing and Public Works), Practice Guide to navigate tenancies through COVID-19, media release, 24 April 2020.

25 April 2020

The Queensland Government announced $54 million for Queensland transport operators to continue running while social distancing measures are in place.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier) and M Bailey (Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads), $54m to keep Queensland moving during COVID-19, media release, 25 April 2020.

26 April 2020

The Queensland Government announced that it would start easing stay at home restrictions, with people able to leave their homes for recreation and the distance they can travel extended.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier) and S Miles (Queensland Minister for Health), COVID-19 restrictions ease, media release, 26 April 2020.

27 April 2020

The Queensland Government introduced new measures under which a person that intentionally coughs, sneezes or spits on public officials and workers including shop assistants could be fined $13,345.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier) and S Miles (Queensland Minister for Health), Queensland introduces big fines for coughing on essential workers, media release, 27 April 2020.

28 April 2020

The Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy announced that the Queensland Government would waive land rent for six months for farmers, businesses, tourism operators and community and sports clubs.

A Lynham (Queensland Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy), State waives $33.8m in land rent for farmers, tourism and clubs, media release, 28 April 2020.

29 April 2020

The Queensland Government announced that it had brought forward approximately $185 million of road construction jointly funded under an Agreement with the Australian Government.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier) and M Bailey (Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads), $185 million of roadworks start sooner, media release, 29 April 2020.

May 2020

4 May 2020

The Queensland Government outlined the steps for children to return to school through a staged approach starting from 11 May.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier) and G Grace (Queensland Minister for Education), Queensland success leads sensible steps back to school, media release, 4 May 2020.

5 May 2020

The Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy announced a $14.7 million investment to support farmers so that irrigation water prices would remain the same or fall in 2020–21 following a Queensland Government price freeze. In addition, the Government would also absorb dam safety costs.

A Lynham (Queensland Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy), Price freeze offers further relief for farmers, media release, 5 May 2020.

7 May 2020

The Queensland Government announced that businesses would not need to pay payroll tax on JobKeeper payments.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier) and J Trad (Queensland Treasurer), Payroll tax exemption on JobKeeper payments, media release, 7 May 2020.

8 May 2020

The Queensland Premier released Queensland’s roadmap to easing restrictions, with changes from 15 May to include allowing:

•        gatherings of up to ten people in a public space

•        recreational travel of a radius of up to 150km from the person’s home for day trips and

•        re-opening of libraries, playground equipment, skate parks and outdoor gyms, with a maximum of ten people at one time.

Stage two of easing restrictions would be from 12 June 2020.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier), Premier maps road to easing restrictions, media release, 8 May 2020.

9 May 2020

The Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries announced an additional $500 million in funding for its
12-month interest free loans for COVID-19 affected businesses program.

M Furner (Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries), Queensland doubles funding for
12-month interest free business loans, media release, 9 May 2020.

18 May 2020

The Attorney-General announced $119.45 million in joint state-Commonwealth funding to ensure ongoing provision of community legal assistance services.

Y D’Ath (Queensland Attorney-General), $119 million funding boost for community legal services, media release, 18 May 2020.

19 May 2020

The Premier announced the Queensland Economic Recovery Strategy: Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs. The strategy included a commitment to maintain infrastructure investment of more than $50 billion over the next four years and a $400 million Accelerated Works Program to deliver new roads, bridges and pavement sealing.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier), Comprehensive strategy to unite and recover for Queensland jobs, media release, 19 May 2020.

22 May 2020

The Minister for Multicultural Affairs announced a $900,000 connections package for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.

S Hinchliffe (Queensland Minister for Multicultural Affairs), $900,000 COVID-19 package to support vulnerable communities, media release, 22 May 2020.

29 May 2020

The Minister for Disability Services and Seniors advised that following the latest advice, older people were able to leave their homes, but were encouraged to do so in a careful and considered way.

C O’Rourke (Queensland Minister for Disability Services and Seniors), Doors open for seniors following the latest health advice, media release, 29 May 2020.

31 May 2020

The Queensland Premier announced that the Government would be easing intrastate restrictions ahead of schedule. In addition, restrictions on pubs, restaurants and cafés would be eased to allow more patrons.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier), Major easing of restrictions will open Queensland for Queenslanders, media release, 31 May 2020.

The Minister for Health released the Roadmap to Easing Access Restrictions for Queensland’s Remote Communities, which outlined a three-stage plan agreed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders in remote communities. Stage 1 would be effective immediately and enabled people to enter a designated community to self-quarantine within that community under approved arrangements.

S Miles (Queensland Minister for Health), Roadmap eases restrictions for Queensland’s remote communities, media release, 31 May 2020.

June 2020

3 June 2020

The Queensland Government announced that $150 million would be made available for regional council projects as part of the COVID Works for Queensland project.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier), S Hinchliffe (Queensland Minister for Local Government) and G Butcher (Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing), Regional Queensland benefits from COVID Works for Queensland program, media release, 3 June 2020.

4 June 2020

The Minister for State Development, Tourism and Innovation launched a new support service and telephone hotline to provide support and advice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses navigating economic challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

K Jones (Queensland Minister for State Development, Tourism and Innovation), Service to support Indigenous businesses during pandemic, media release, 4 June 2020.

The Minister for Health announced that the Chief Health Officer had approved the Fitness Industry COVID Safe Plan, under which businesses wanting to have more than 20 people on site would need to comply with the industry-approved plan.

S Miles (Queensland Minister for Health), The weight is over for Queensland gyms and fitness clubs, media release, 4 June 2020.

5 June 2020

The Premier announced that the Queensland Tourism and Accommodation Industry COVID Safe Plan had been approved, with the plan applying to thousands of tourism and accommodation businesses.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier), Tourism businesses to reopen as COVID Safe Plan approved today, media release, 5 June 2020.

The Queensland Government announced a Hardship Payment for people who test positive for COVID-19 and do not have access to paid sick leave or pandemic leave.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier) and S Fentiman (Minister for Employment and Small Business), Hardship Payment for Queenslander workers during COVID-19, media release, 5 June 2020.

11 June 2020

The Treasurer announced that temporary laws allowing supermarkets and essential businesses to restock their shelves 24 hours a day had been extended until the end of October.

C Dick (Queensland Treasurer), Extension of laws so supermarkets can continue to restock around the clock, media release, 11 June 2020.

12 June 2020

The Minister for State Development, Tourism and Innovation announced $5 million would be provided to 15 Queensland airports to secure new domestic flights to help fast-track the tourism industry’s economic recovery.

K Jones (Queensland Minister for State Development, Tourism and Innovation), Multi-million-dollar tourism fund to secure flights for Queensland, media release, 12 June 2020.

The Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships announced that travel restrictions for Queensland’s remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities would further ease with the commencement of Stage 2 from 12 June.

C Crawford (Queensland Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships), Queensland roadmap eases remote restrictions, media release, 12 June 2020.

The Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries announced that a $500,000 fund had been made available for wildlife exhibitors to help operators care for their animals.

M Furner (Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries), More support for zoos and mobile animal exhibitors, media release, 12 June 2020.

14 June 2020

The Minister for Health announced $250 million for extra elective surgery after non-urgent surgeries temporarily ceased in March.

S Miles (Queensland Minister for Health), Quarter of a billion dollar elective surgery blitz, media release, 14 June 2020.

15 June 2020

The Premier announced further easing of restrictions, with up to 100 people able to attend funerals from 16 June, and reiterated that interstate border restrictions would be lifted on 10 July, with intent to review this date at the end of June.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier), Qld COVID-19—Mon Jun 15: funeral restrictions eased / no new cases, media release, 15 June 2020.

16 June 2020

The Premier announced the next phase of the Government’s economic recovery plan, with further measures for agriculture, tourism, construction, resources and energy, arts and culture and small business.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier), Unite and recover for Queensland jobs—next phase of economic recovery announced, media release, 16 June 2020.

18 June 2020

The Premier announced the further easing of restrictions for aged care, with people able to have two visitors at a time, including children, ‘for as often and as long as they like’.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier), Aged care conditions eased to allow kids and family outings, media release, 18 June 2020.

22 June 2020

The Premier announced $415 million, jointly funded with the Australian Government, to undertake shovel-ready infrastructure projects and urgent road safety upgrades.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier) and M Bailey (Minister for Transport and Main Roads), $415 million for more infrastructure jobs in Queensland, media release, 22 June 2020.

25 June 2020

The Minister for Health announced that the Queensland Government would create a Clinical Stock Reserve to ensure supplies and equipment for frontline services.

S Miles (Queensland Minister for Health), Queensland to guarantee protective equipment for health services, media release, 25 June 2020.

30 June 2020

The Queensland Premier announced faster easing of restrictions for Queensland from 3 July, with the state borders being opened to visitors from 10 July, with exceptions for people from Victoria.

A Palaszczuk (Queensland Premier), Restrictions eased, border plan in place, media release, 30 June 2020.

Table 8: announcements made by the South Australian Government

Milestones

Details

Source documents

January 2020

23 January 2020

SA Health released advice for those who had recently travelled through China to be aware of the signs and symptoms of coronavirus despite no confirmed cases in Australia.

SA Health, Novel coronavirus information, media release, 23 January 2020.

February 2020

1 February 2020

The SA Government announced the first two confirmed cases of coronavirus in SA and advised anyone who had visited mainland China or had had contact with a confirmed case to isolate for 14 days.

S Marshall (SA Premier), Premier’s statement on coronavirus, media release, 1 February 2020.

6 February 2020

SA Health announced that a dedicated collection centre had been established to process low-risk coronavirus tests to increase turnaround times.

SA Health, Novel coronavirus update, media release, 6 February 2020.

March 2020

2 March 2020

The SA Government announced a number of amendments to the South Australian Public Health Act to ‘allow warrants to be issued to detain a person if that person is considered to be engaging in conduct that creates a risk of spreading disease.’

S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), Strengthening public safety amid the threat of COVID-19, media release, 2 March 2020.

The Minister for Human Services released a statement that free flu vaccination would be available to SA’s homeless ahead of winter to boost public immunity levels.

M Lensink (SA Minister for Human Services), Free flu vaccine to protect homeless South Australians, media release, 3 March 2020.

10 March 2020

The Premier declared that the nation’s first drive-through COVID-19 testing facility would open in SA the next day.

S Marshall (SA Premier), Australia’s first drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic, media release, 10 March 2020.

11 March 2020

The SA Government announced a $350 million stimulus package to help ‘drive the South Australian economy and secure local jobs’ in response to the coronavirus crisis.

S Marshall (SA Premier), Unprecedented response and economic stimulus to drive SA jobs, economy in wake of bushfires, coronavirus, media release, 11 March 2020.

13 March 2020

The Minister for Education communicated advice to education sites from SA Health and Commonwealth agencies that schools would close for a minimum of 24 hours in the event of a confirmed COVID-19 case and only reopen on the advice of health experts when safe to do so.

J Gardner (SA Minister for Education), Update on education protocols for coronavirus, media release, 13 March 2020.

16 March 2020

The SA Government announced increased South Australian Public Transport Authority cleaning schedules with particular focus on hand rails, validators and push buttons.

S Marshall (SA Premier), Increasing cleaning on public transport, media release, 16 March 2020.

17 March 2020

The SA Government announced a series of COVID-19 regional clinics to ensure widespread access to testing in metropolitan and regional areas.

S Marshall (SA Premier) and S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), South Australia’s first regional COVID-19 clinic opens, media release, 17 March 2020.

The SA Government appointed three new deputy Chief Public Health Officers to support the work of the Chief Public Health Officer during the coronavirus pandemic.

S Marshall (SA Premier), Three new deputy Chief Public Health Officers appointed to strengthen SA
COVID-19 response, media release, 17 March 2020.

18 March 2020

The SA Government and South Australia Police (SAPOL) announced that anyone arriving at Adelaide Airport on an international flight would be given a direction by Australian Border Force outlining their obligation to self-isolate at home for 14 days, with SAPOL conducting spot-checks to ensure they were abiding by the Direction.

S Marshall (SA Premier), Stronger powers to enforce COVID-19 self-isolation, media release, 18 March 2020.

19 March 2020

The Minister for Child Protection announced that foster and kinship carers would receive a one-off immediate $200 payment from the SA Government to help families purchase cleaning and hygiene products to slow the spread of COVID-19.

R Sanderson (SA Minister for Child Protection), COVID-19 one-off cash boost for our foster and kinship carers, media release, 19 March 2020.

The SA Government granted an exemption to supermarkets under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1977 to allow 24-hour weekday trading to assist in social distancing measures.

R Lucas (SA Treasurer), Supermarkets granted 24-hour weekday trade option and extended weekends in response to coronavirus, media release, 19 March 2020.

The SA Government established two dedicated COVID-19 facilities, at ECH College Grove and Wakefield Hospitals, to manage the anticipated increase in hospitalisations due to COVID-19 and to reduce the chances of community transmission.

S Marshall (SA Premier), Marshall Government to establish two hospitals to manage the impact of coronavirus, media release, 19 March 2020.

20 March 2020

A new multi-agency COVID-19 Command Centre at SA Health headquarters was established to help coordinate the SA Government response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

S Marshall (SA Premier) and S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing),
COVID-19 Command Centre launched, media release, 20 March 2020.

21 March 2020

The SA Government announced $6.5 million to establish a COVID-19 healthcare facility at the Repat Health Precinct to care for mildly acute COVID-19 patients.

S Marshall (SA Premier), Repat health precinct to ease
COVID-19 demand, media release, 21 March 2020.

22 March 2020

The Premier announced the closure of SA borders from 24 March, with anyone entering from overseas or other states or territories required to self-isolate for 14 days.

S Marshall (SA Premier), South Australia’s borders to close, media release, 22 March 2020.

23 March 2020

The SA Government invested more than $300,000 to develop a dedicated telehealth service for cystic fibrosis patients and their families to reduce the need for vulnerable people to attend hospitals during the pandemic.

S Marshall (SA Premier) and S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), Protecting vulnerable South Australians from the impacts of coronavirus, media release, 23 March 2020.

24 March 2020

The SA Government increased contract cleaning services in SA government schools as part of an additional $5 million to boost hygiene measures.

S Marshall (SA Premier), Government increases hygiene support for schools, media release, 24 March 2020.

The SA Government announced the opening of a second metropolitan COVID-19 drive-through testing facility to increase testing options for South Australians.

S Marshall (SA Premier), Second metropolitan COVID-19 testing drive through opens, media release, 24 March 2020.

25 March 2020

The Attorney-General announced that cafés, small bars and local clubs would be able to apply for a free short-term and temporary licence to enable them to sell take-away liquor to allow businesses to stay open during the pandemic.

V Chapman (SA Attorney-General), Temporary measures to support South Australia’s hospitality sector, media release, 25 March 2020.

The Education Minister announced the launch of the Our Learning SA website to support students learning at home through access to curated curriculum resources across all learning areas.

J Gardner (SA Minister for Education), New central website to support home learning, media release, 25 March 2020.

The SA Government announced it was boosting the number of nurses and midwives during the coronavirus pandemic by fast-tracking the recruitment and upskilling of health professionals.

S Marshall (SA Premier) and S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), Nurses and midwives boost for COVID-19 response, media release, 25 March 2020.

26 March 2020

The SA Government announced a $650 million Jobs Rescue Package with two parts:

•        the $300 million Business and Jobs Support Fund to support individual businesses and industry sectors directly affected by coronavirus and

•        the $250 million Community and Jobs Support Fund to support community organisations, sporting, arts and recreational bodies and non-profit organisations, and to help with training of South Australians seeking new skills and employment.

S Marshall (SA Premier), $1 billion stimulus package to save SA jobs, businesses, media release, 26 March 2020.

27 March 2020

The SA Government released a statement that movement into SA’s Indigenous communities was to be restricted to ‘minimise the risk of the virus entering more remote areas where medical facilities are limited’.

S Marshall (SA Premier), Travel restrictions for South Australia’s remote areas, media release, 27 March 2020.

The SA Government introduced a $10 million maintenance stimulus as part of the $1 billion economic response to the impacts of coronavirus. The stimulus aimed to improve up to 1,000 SA homes—with work including painting, lighting and roofing upgrades—and keep local contractors in jobs.

M Lensink (SA Minister for Human Services), $10 million maintenance stimulus to boost jobs, economy, media release, 27 March 2020.

The SA Government introduced a number of measures in Service SA centres to help stop the spread of COVID-19, including by:

•        easing the burden on medical professionals

•        enabling more transactions to be done online

•        ensuring appropriate social distancing in centres and

•        waiving some transaction fees for customers unable to complete a transaction due to circumstances relating to the COVID-19 virus.

S Knoll (SA Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government), Service SA changes to stop the spread, media release, 27 March 2020.

28 March 2020

The Premier advised that from 28 March 2020, individuals who did not self-isolate when required would be fined $1,000 and businesses flouting social distancing laws would be fined $5,000.

S Marshall (SA Premier), New process to control spread of COVID-19, media release, 28 March 2020.

29 March 2020

The SA Government rolled out a plan to accommodate COVID-19 patients requiring community care in the Marion Holiday Park to support the economy and offer up to 278 additional beds for COVID-19 patients.

S Marshall (SA Premier), Strong plan to ease hospital pressure amid coronavirus, media release, 29 March 2020.

30 March 2020

The SA Government encouraged vulnerable South Australians to register for the Red Cross Telecross REDi service. The service offers free daily calls to check on the welfare of vulnerable South Australians.

S Marshall (SA Premier), New
COVID-19 welfare calls activated for our most vulnerable, media release, 30 March 2020.

The Department of Education closed all SA schools, early childhood facilities and Out-of-School-Hours Care services in and between the towns of Nuriootpa, Tanunda, Angaston, Lyndoch and Williamstown to stop the spread of COVID-19.

SA Health, COVID-19 update, media release, 30 March 2020.

31 March 2020

The SA Government rolled out the South Australian Virtual Support Network to provide a localised service for South Australians who need additional mental health support during
COVID-19. The Virtual Support Network included a mental health support line staffed by Lifeline counsellors to assist people with the increased anxiety, fear and distress the pandemic created.

S Marshall (SA Premier) and S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), SA
COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line, media release, 31 March 2020.

The SA and Australian governments reached an agreement with SA packaging company Detmold Group to hire an additional 160 staff members to produce 145 million masks from its manufacturing plant in Adelaide for SA Health and the National Medical Stockpile.

S Marshall (SA Premier), SA company to make life-saving face masks in the fight against COVID-19, media release, 31 March 2020.

April 2020

1 April 2020

The Minister for Health and Wellbeing announced changes under an emergency measure that would enable South Australians in need of an emergency supply of medicines during the coronavirus pandemic to temporarily seek their medication without a prescription, to minimise the burden of the pandemic on vulnerable South Australians.

S Marshall (SA Premier) and S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), Providing essential medicines to South Australians, media release, 1 April 2020.

The SA Government announced 150 SA public servants would be recommissioned to assist in contact tracing efforts, while another 150 would be on standby in case caseloads escalated.

S Marshall (SA Premier) and S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), Major boost for coronavirus contact tracing, media release, 1 April 2020.

In response to COVID-19, Service SA suspended a range of services, including practical driving assessments, Rider Safe training and assessment courses, and non-essential transactions at centres.

S Knoll (SA Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government), Further safety measures for Service SA centres, media release, 1 April 2020.

The SA Government launched the Export Recovery Taskforce to ‘identify impacts across export sectors and to coordinate government intervention and support for affected businesses’.

D Ridgway (SA Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment), Industry taskforce to help keep out exports moving, media release, 1 April 2020.

3 April 2020

The SA Government implemented an ‘immediate deferral of mineral exploration licence fees and annual petroleum and geothermal licence fees due in the next six months’ to provide the mining and petroleum sectors in SA with some financial relief during COVID-19.

D van Holst Pellekaan (SA Minister for Energy and Mining), Fee relief for COVID-19-hit resources sector, media release, 3 April 2020.

The SA Government launched a flexible learning platform which complemented the Our Learning SA website and enabled teachers to create their own individual online learning spaces to deliver lessons and content to students in the classroom and at home.

J Gardner (SA Minister for Education), Virtual classrooms to assist student learning, media release, 3 April 2020.

The SA Government announced that several of Adelaide’s public transport services would be temporarily suspended from 3 April.

S Knoll (SA Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government), Public transport changes in response to coronavirus, media release, 3 April 2020.

The SA Government announced the provision of fee and rent relief for nearly 300 South Australian nature-based tourism businesses affected by COVID-19, including waiving commercial tour operator licence fees and rents for properties leased on Crown Land.

D Speirs (SA Minister for Environment and Water), Fee and rent relief for nature-based tourism business, media release, 3 April 2020.

4 April 2020

The SA Premier urged South Australians to stay home during Easter and to follow the advice of health experts to limit the spread of COVID-19.

S Marshall (SA Premier), For the health and wellbeing of all South Australians—please stay home this Easter, media release, 4 April 2020.

A $16 million VET Market Continuity Package was announced by the SA Government to support more than 100 contracted Registered Training Organisations to continue to deliver skills to their students across SA.

D Pisoni (SA Minister for Innovation and Skills), $16 million VET continuity package to maintain skills pipeline, media release, 4 April 2020.

The SA Government announced an agreement with the Australian Government which would enable the ‘full mobilisation of the private hospital sector across the State as required during the pandemic’ to ease the pressure on public hospitals.

S Marshall (SA Premier) and S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), Historic alliance between public and private hospitals to defeat COVID-19, media release, 4 April 2020.

The SA Government announced a $1.6 million funding boost to help vulnerable South Australians, including:

•        an additional $500,000 for the food relief sector

•        $800,000 for charities so they can give emergency relief to vulnerable South Australians, including supermarket and pharmacy vouchers and help with cost of living pressures

•        $185,000 to the Salvation Army, which provides the Affordable SA Helpline and National Debt Helpline SA branch and

•        $144,000 to existing providers within the Statewide Financial Counselling Program.

M Lensink (SA Minister for Human Services), $1.6 million funding boost to help vulnerable, media release, 5 April 2020.

6 April 2020

The SA Government announced it had opened more high-dependency beds in the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and was training about 80 nurses to ensure they had the necessary skills to work in the high-dependency unit. This was part of a suite of measures to bolster the health system in anticipation of the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

S Marshall (SA Premier) and S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), More beds and stronger workforce at WCH, media release, 6 April 2020.

7 April 2020

SA Health announced the first COVID-19 related death in SA.

SA Health, COVID-19 update, media release, 7 April 2020.

The SA Government introduced its legislative response to the coronavirus. Measures in the Bill included ensuring JobKeeper payments are exempt from payroll tax and restricting evictions in cases of extreme financial hardship.

V Chapman (SA Attorney-General), Protecting the community and local jobs, media release, 7 April 2020.

8 April 2020

The SA Government encouraged eligible South Australians to book a free flu shot through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) to help minimise the impacts of coronavirus. Adults and children who were homeless and not eligible for the NIP could receive the influenza vaccine for free under the new State Funded Influenza Program.

S Marshall (SA Premier) and S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), 2020 flu vaccine now available, media release, 8 April 2020.

9 April 2020

Under the $650 million Jobs Rescue Package, the SA Government announced fee relief for the commercial seafood and charter boat sector.

T Whetstone (SA Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development), Fee relief for fishing industry in wake of coronavirus, media release, 9 April 2020.

A $2 million partnership between Chesser Chemicals and the SA Government was announced to provide up to 20,000 bottles of hand sanitiser to hospitals, schools and other government services.

S Marshall (SA Premier) and S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), SA business to supply hand sanitiser, media release, 9 April 2020.

The new COVID-19 Relief Call Centre was activated by the SA Government to support people requiring personal hardship assistance, food relief, emotional and wellbeing support, and short-term COVID-19 accommodation advice (for those unable to quarantine at home).

M Lensink (SA Minister for Human Services), New, dedicated relief hotline activated to support South Australians in need, media release, 9 April 2020.

Tens of thousands of South Australian small businesses and NGOs were offered a one-off payment of $10,000 emergency cash in response to the coronavirus crisis. The grants were funded by the SA Government’s $650 million Jobs Rescue Package.

S Marshall (SA Premier), $10,000 emergency cash grants for small businesses impacted by COVID-19, media release, 9 April 2020.

10 April 2020

The SA Government announced it was recruiting more doctors, pharmacists and allied and scientific health professionals to manage the increasing demand on the SA health system.

S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), Community recruitment drive for united coronavirus response, media release, 10 April 2020.

The SA Government allocated a $5.2 million package from the Business and Jobs Support Fund to the SA taxi industry. The package included a $4,300 ex gratia payment per metropolitan taxi to over 1,000 taxi operators, and waiving a full year of fees.

S Knoll (SA Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government), Financial support for taxi industry, media release, 10 April 2020.

The SA Government contributed $200,000 to a clinical trial to test the effectiveness of an established tuberculosis vaccine in preventing the severity of COVID-19 symptoms, with about 500 SA hospital staff to be invited to participate.

S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), Frontline heroes join vaccine trial to boost COVID-19 health defence, media release, 11 April 2020.

12 April 2020

The SA Government announced that it would provide free car parking for hospital staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

S Marshall (SA Premier), Free parking for hospital staff during pandemic, media release, 12 April 2020.

13 April 2020

The SA Government expanded the capacity of the COVID-19 hotline by hiring 850 new call-centre staff to operate the COVID-19 Information Line seven days a week.

S Marshall (SA Premier), Coronavirus hotline to expand significantly, media release, 13 April 2020.

The SA Government announced an expansion of COVID-19 testing criteria, allowing people with cold or respiratory symptoms to be tested. The expanded testing criteria would reassure symptomatic South Australians they are not infected with coronavirus, and would provide health clinicians with a greater understanding of the prevalence of the virus in the state.

S Marshall (SA Premier) and S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), COVID-19 testing blitz for South Australia, media release, 15 April 2020.

17 April 2020

SA Water and SA Health began testing wastewater as a means of detecting COVID-19 clusters in SA and creating a clearer picture of the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), COVID-19 testing boost, media release, 17 April 2020.

The SA Attorney-General announced that the Legal Services Commission would boost the capacity of its free telephone and online legal assistance services in response to COVID-19.

V Chapman (SA Attorney-General), COVID-19 legal assistance for South Australians, media release, 17 April 2020.

The Premier of South Australia announced funding of $684,000 to roll out SA Pathology’s rapid testing capability. Whereas conventional testing took around 24 hours, rapid testing would provide results in less than 60 minutes.

S Marshall (SA Premier), Test results for COVID-19 in just one hour, media release, 17 April 2020.

18 April 2020

The SA Government revealed that the first face mask testing facility in Australia was to be situated in Adelaide. The facility would be a collaboration between the state government, Flinders University and the University of South Australia, supported by a grant from the state government of $450,000 through the Research Commercialisation and Startup Fund, and would focus on testing respirators and surgical masks.

S Marshall (SA Premier), New face mask testing facility, media release, 18 April 2020.

21 April 2020

The SA Government announced a $13.8 million support package as part of the Community and Jobs Support Fund to help the international education sector.

D Ridgway (SA Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment), $13.8m for SA’s international education sector, media release, 21 April 2020.

22 April 2020

The SA Government announced a total of $7.8 million to be paid to eligible South Australians receiving the Centrelink Jobseeker Payment in the form of a one-off payment of $500 to help with everyday expenses.

M Lensink (SA Minister for Human Services), $7.8 million cash boost to help with cost of living, media release, 22 April 2020.

The SA Government reviewed the requirements for witnessing documents such as Statutory Declarations in response to a number of Justice of the Peace services being withdrawn due to COVID-19. The list was expanded to include government employees, accountants, religious ministers, medical professionals and bank officers.

V Chapman (SA Attorney-General), Expanding criteria for witnessing Statutory Declarations, media release, 22 April 2020.

23 April 2020

The SA Education Minister urged parents to send their children to school or preschool from the start of Term 2 the following week, based on the advice of SA Health that schools, preschools and early childhood facilities were low-risk and should remain open.

J Gardner (SA Minister for Education), Health advice clear on schools, media release, 23 April 2020.

The SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing praised the chemo@home program which allows eligible patients undergoing cancer treatment at the Royal Adelaide Hospital to undergo treatment at home, minimising the need for them to attend the hospital during the pandemic.

S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), Protecting vulnerable South Australians from COVID-19, media release, 23 April 2020.

The SA Government announced a $32 million economic stimulus package for school and preschool sites across SA to help with maintenance work.

J Gardner (SA Minister for Education), School and preschool maintenance package to deliver local economic stimulus, media release, 23 April 2020.

24 April 2020

The SA Government announced a $120 million land tax relief package, including a $50 million emergency scheme offering eligible landlords a 25 per cent reduction on their 2019–20 land tax liability on affected properties. Landlords would be required to pass the full benefit of the reductions on to their tenants.

R Lucas (SA Treasurer), Landlords and tenants benefit from extra $50m in land tax relief, media release, 24 April 2020.

The SA Government announced state government agencies would provide full rent relief for tenants of commercial, retail, industrial and other non-residential sites that had been forced to close as a result of COVID-19.

S Knoll (SA Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government), State Government provides rent relief for businesses, media release, 24 April 2020.

26 April 2020

The SA Government urged South Australians with medical issues not to delay seeking medical advice for fear of contracting COVID-19 after a concerning reduction in presentations to emergency, ambulance call-outs and GP visits.

S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), Our health system is for all South Australians, media release, 26 April 2020.

27 April 2020

A new expert surgical advisory group was established to guide the gradual recommencement of elective surgery and provide advice on surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Australia.

S Wade (SA Minster for Health and Wellbeing), Experts to guide elective surgery restart, media release, 27 April 2020.

The Minister for Health and Wellbeing announced that one million additional Level 3 face masks that were sourced outside the national stockpile would arrive in South Australia to assist clinicians during COVID-19.

S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), Additional PPE in time for elective surgery restart, media release, 27 April 2020.

28 April 2020

The SA Government launched the Export Fundamentals Program, consisting of four online sessions, to help local exporters upskill in preparation for when markets reopen.

D Ridgway (SA Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment), New program bolsters support for South Australian exporters, media release, 28 April 2020.

29 April 2020

The SA Government committed $3.35 million towards COVID-19 Support Grants to support organisations that provide assistance to vulnerable and disadvantaged South Australians. Each organisation could apply for up to $10,000.

M Lensink (SA Minister for Human Services), New, COVID-19 Support Grants of up to $10,000 available, media release, 29 April 2020.

30 April 2020

The SA Government announced the COVID-19 GP Assessment Team and nurse-led SA Health Remote Monitoring Service to assist patients with COVID-19 who are isolating at home.

S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), GP and nurse teams support COVID-19 patients at home, media release, 30 April 2020.

The SA Government provided $2.4 million to fund a 24/7 men’s domestic violence hotline to help mitigate violent behaviours in the home during COVID-19. The hotline was a response to an expected increase in domestic, family and sexual violence as a result of the pandemic.

M Lensink (SA Minister for Human Services), $2.4 million boost to tackle DV in SA, media release, 30 April 2020.

The Minister for Health and Wellbeing announced continuation of SA’s COVID-19 testing ‘blitz’.

S Marshall (SA Premier) and S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), Full marks for SA during COVID-19 testing, media release, 30 April 2020.

May 2020

2 May 2020

The Minister for Health and Wellbeing noted a significant increase in telehealth services during COVID-19, with an increase of nearly 150 per cent in the period from February to April this year compared to last year.

S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), Embracing technology to provide better health services during COVID, media release, 2 May 2020.

3 May 2020

The SA Government established a Transition Committee to guide the process of moving out of the COVID-19 emergency and restoring the social and economic health of the state.

S Marshall (SA Premier), SA establishes transition team to manage post COVID-19, media release, 3 May 2020.

5 May 2020

The SA Government announced a relief package to support eight council-run childcare centres across SA that were not eligible for JobKeeper. The package would cost $700,000 over a 12-week period.

J Gardner (SA Minister for Education), Council-run child care centres receive support package, media release, 5 May 2020.

6 May 2020

The Minister for Environment and Water announced the launch of the Open Your World wellbeing strategy and website as a single source of information on wellbeing during COVID-19. The website would include information on staying fit and healthy, activities for kids, and online resources for learning and skills development.

D Speirs (SA Minister for Environment and Water), Ground-breaking new wellbeing strategy to Open Your World, media release, 6 May 2020.

The SA Government committed $20,000 to Volunteering SA&NT to ensure essential services that rely on volunteers could continue to operate during the pandemic.

M Lensink (SA Minister for Human Services), Funding boost to mobilise volunteers in response to COVID-19, media release, 6 May 2020.

The Minister for Health and Wellbeing announced the resumption of cross-border kidney transplants following the lifting of some restrictions surrounding the surgery.

S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), Strong plan easing the COVID burden, media release, 7 May 2020.

9 May 2020

SA Health announced the release of the SA roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions, with Step 1 coming into effect on 11 May 2020.

SA Health, COVID-19 update 9 May 2020, media release, 9 May 2020.

10 May 2020

The SA Government contributed $65.5 million of its $1 billion stimulus package to support local community projects across SA.

S Marshall (SA Premier) and S Knoll (SA Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government), Local projects to provide stimulus boost, media release, 10 May 2020.

The Minister for Health and Wellbeing announced a dedicated SA Pathology team to respond to a potential COVID-19 outbreak in aged care or other residential facilities. The team would have the capacity to immediately test everyone in a facility if an outbreak occurs.

S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), Crack team at SA Pathology to protect aged care residents, media release, 10 May 2020.

11 May 2020

The SA Government launched a free parenting webinar for parents struggling during COVID-19. The webinar addressed issues such as increased screen time among children and young people.

M Lensink (SA Minister for Human Services), Free parenting webinar tackles COVID-19 concerns, media release, 11 May 2020.

12 May 2020

The SA Government announced the lifting of the Appropriate Surgery Direction under the Emergency Management Declaration, enabling elective surgery to resume.

S Marshall (SA Premier) and S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), Operation restore elective surgery, media release, 12 May 2020.

The SA Attorney-General announced legislative measures including speeding up infrastructure projects and ensuring clarity in disputes between commercial landlords and tenants.

V Chapman (SA Attorney-General), New protections for South Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic, media release, 12 May 2020.

14 May 2020

The Minister for Innovation and Skills reported results from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Labour Force Survey which showed unemployment in SA increased from 6.3 per cent in March to 7.2 per cent in April 2020. This increase was thought to be due to, but not fully reflective of, the effects of COVID-19 on the labour market.

D Pisoni (SA Minister for Innovation and Skills), SA unemployment rate increase in line with increase nationally, media release, 14 May 2020.

The SA Government announced that South Australians would be able to access all dental treatments through SA Dental Service due to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

SA Health, SA dental service further easing of restrictions, media release, 14 May 2020.

15 May 2020

The Minister for Environment and Water announced the opening of campsites and national parks with amended services to ensure social distancing could be maintained as SA restrictions ease.

D Speirs (SA Minister for Environment and Water), Iconic state tourism sites to re-open as restrictions ease, media release, 15 May 2020.

16 May 2020

The SA Treasurer announced new regulations made under the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act 2020 to protect tenants from eviction and provide greater certainty around dispute resolution and rent relief during COVID-19.

R Lucas (SA Treasurer), New laws to assist commercial landlords, tenants impacted by COVID-19, media release, 16 May 2020.

The Premier announced the construction of new treatment spaces at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital to help mitigate the health and economic impacts of COVID19. The construction would allow a quick response to any new wave of COVID-19 while also creating jobs.

S Marshall (SA Premier) and S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), Expanding COVID capacity while creating jobs at Women’s and Children’s Hospital, media release, 16 May 2020.

18 May 2020

The SA Government announced a strategic COVID-19 testing regime targeting healthcare workers, residential aged care workers, transport workers, homeless persons, prison inmates, and seasonal workers.

S Marshall (SA Premier) and S Wade (SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing), World-class COVID-19 testing bolstered, media release, 18 May 2020.

19 May 2020

The SA Government announced the eCommerce Accelerator Program (eCAP) with funding of $500,000 to help SA exporters move to online platforms to sell their goods in response to the challenges presented by COVID-19.

D Ridgway (SA Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment), SA exporters get a boost to sell products online, media release, 19 May 2020.

The SA Premier announced new training measures for hospitality staff in preparation for the hospitality sector reopening as restrictions ease. The training would be jointly funded by the SA and Australian governments with each contributing $2.6 million.

S Marshall (SA Premier), and D Pisoni (SA Minister for Innovation and Skills), Helping businesses get back to work with ‘COVID-clean’ toolkit, media release, 19 May 2020.

24 May 2020

More than 1,000 people per day were visiting the SA Government’s Seasonal Jobs SA website, launched the previous week, targeting unemployed South Australians and getting them involved in seasonal work such as fruit picking or grape harvesting.

T Whetstone (SA Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development), Seasonal jobs are ripe for the picking, media release, 24 May 2020.

The SA Government’s $5 million Nature-Based Tourism Co-Investment Fund was launched as part of the Parks 2025 strategy. Grants would be provided to organisations to partner with the state government to deliver sustainable, quality tourism experiences in South Australia.

D Speirs (SA Minister for Environment and Water), Big boost for nature-based tourism in South Australia, media release, 24 May 2020.

25 May 2020

The Premier announced accelerated changes to COVID-19 restrictions, with pubs, gyms, cinemas, places of worship, beauty salons and other sites to be allowed up to 80 people from 1 June as long as they comply with social distancing safeguards.

S Marshall (SA Premier), Fast-tracking economic recovery, media release, 25 May 2020.

28 May 2020

The SA Government enlisted five local companies to produce up to 7,000 clear plastic face shields per day as an additional line of defence for healthcare workers in the fight against COVID-19. The move created 55 jobs to help stimulate the economy.

S Marshall (SA Premier), New local jobs powering South Australia’s health response, media release, 28 May 2020.

29 May 2020

The SA Government made an additional $1.6 million available to councils to address the spike in household waste being produced in South Australia during the coronavirus pandemic.

D Speirs (SA Minister for Environment and Water), Boost to household food waste recycling funding, media release, 29 May 2020.

29 May 2020

The SA Government committed $15 million to overhaul audio-video link technology within South Australia’s justice system to increase flexibility and ensure matters could still be heard during the COVID-19 pandemic.

V Chapman (SA Attorney-General), Marshall Government’s stimulus to provide $15 million for our courts, police and corrections, media release, 29 May 2020.

The SA Government released its Principles for COVID-19 Public Transport Operations in response to Australian Health Protection Principal Committee advice to keep South Australians safe on buses, trains and trams. Key measures included:

•        a trial to extend the morning and afternoon peak periods on the Gawler line

•        additional marking on platforms

•        updated signage and posters and

•        accelerated introduction of new smartphone apps providing commuters with better real-time information.

S Knoll (SA Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government), Public transport road map to keep South Australians safe, media release, 29 May 2020.

SA Health announced the opening of South Australia’s first mobile testing clinic to target the testing of transport workers such as interstate truck drivers.

SA Health, COVID-19 testing for transport workers begins, media release, 30 May 2020.

31 May 2020

The SA Government launched a $1.5 million Welcome Back campaign signalling the start of the recovery process for regional South Australian communities following drought, bushfires and COVID-19.

S Marshall (SA Premier), ‘Welcome Back’ tourism campaign to support our regions, media release, 31 May 2020.

June 2020

1 June 2020

SA Health announced the commencement of Step 2 of the SA Roadmap for Easing COVID-19 Restrictions.

SA Health, COVID-19 update 1 June, media release, 1 June 2020.

5 June 2020

A new scheme worth approximately $10 million was announced by the SA Government to provide rent relief to eligible South Australians through a $1,000 grant to their landlords. The scheme was part of the Government’s $1 billion economic stimulus package to support local jobs, businesses and livelihoods during
COVID-19.

R Lucas (SA Treasurer), $1000 rent relief grants to further support residential tenants, media release, 5 June 2020.

10 June 2020

The SA Government allocated $600,000 from its $650 million rescue package to target domestic violence during the coronavirus pandemic. The funding included:

•        $500,000 to enable the domestic violence disclosure scheme to continue for an additional 12 months and

•        $100,000 to continue a phone app linking at-risk women to police and domestic violence services.

M Lensink (SA Minister for Human Services), $600,000 boost to extend DV disclosure scheme and life-saving app, media release, 10 June 2020.

11 June 2020

The Minister for Education announced grants of $20,000 to every government preschool in SA to complete priority maintenance work. The grants were part of a $7.6 million stimulus package in response to COVID-19.

J Gardner (SA Minister for Education), Preschool grants to stimulate local economies, media release, 11 June 2020.

The Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development brought forward a special $15 million stimulus round of the Regional Growth Fund to help fast-track the recovery of regional economies that were hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions. Applicants could seek grants from $50,000 to $2 million.

T Whetstone (SA Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development), $15 million Regional Growth Fund to stimulate economy, media release, 11 June 2020.

18 June 2020

The Treasurer said that significant budget deficits and increasing debt were the consequence of necessary spending on preparing the SA health system for the pandemic and to save as many lives and jobs as possible. The Government remained committed to its $12.9 billion job-creating infrastructure program to boost the economy.

R Lucas (SA Treasurer), Budget impact of COVID-19 to save lives and jobs, media release, 18 June 2020.

19 June 2020

The Minister for Environment and Water announced that the SA Government would be prioritising infrastructure projects that would improve water delivery and create jobs across the Murray-Darling Basin as part of the
COVID-19 stimulus response.

D Speirs (SA Minister for Environment and Water), Major water infrastructure projects to be prioritised across Murray-Darling Basin, media release, 19 July 2020.

25 June 2020

The Minister for Environment and Water commended the #GoingGreenForParkies campaign which lit up iconic buildings across Adelaide with green light to acknowledge the work of parks and recreation staff throughout SA who kept parks open during a time of significantly increased use.

D Speirs (SA Minister for Environment and Water), Green light to celebrate vital open spaces, media release, 25 June 2020.

29 June 2020

SA Health announced the commencement of Step 3 of the SA Roadmap for Easing COVID-19 Restrictions.

SA Health, COVID-19 update 29 June, media release, 29 June 2020.

Table 9: announcements made by the Tasmanian Government

Milestones

Details

Source documents

March 2020

2 March 2020

The Director of Public Health confirmed the first case of coronavirus in Tasmania in a man who arrived in Tasmania from Iran via Melbourne.

M Veitch (Tasmanian Director of Public Health), Coronavirus case confirmed in Tasmania, media release, 2 March 2020.

17 March 2020

The Director of Public Health declared a Public Health Emergency for Tasmania.

S McKeown (Acting Tasmanian Director of Public Health), Public Health Emergency for Tasmania declared, media release, 17 March 2020.

The Premier announced a $420 million support package, which included:

•        $20 million for interest-free loans to small businesses in the hospitality, tourism, seafood and exports sectors

•        $2.1 million in one-off grants for businesses that hire an apprentice or trainee

•        $1 million through Communities Tasmania to organisations that support vulnerable people through provision of food hampers, medical supplies and counselling and

•        $1 million for emergency accommodation for people who are in quarantine but are unable to return to their regular place of residence.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Investing to sustain a strong economy and local jobs, media release, 17 March 2020.

19 March 2020

The Premier declared a state of emergency for Tasmania and announced all non-essential travellers arriving in Tasmania would be required to quarantine for 14 days.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Important information about new COVID-19 response measures, media release, 19 March 2020.

23 March 2020

The Minister for Education and Training announced that all Libraries Tasmania public premises would temporarily close from 25 March.

J Rockliff (Tasmanian Minister for Education and Training), Libraries Tasmania temporary closure, media release, 23 March 2020.

25 March 2020

The Minister for Education and Training announced that TasTAFE would transition to online learning as much as possible and increase fee flexibility to continue to deliver vocational education and training.

J Rockliff (Tasmanian Minister for Education and Training), Supporting TasTAFE students, media release, 23 March 2020.

The Minister for Education and Training announced that from 25 March parents could choose to keep their children at home, with learning at home opportunities to be provided as much as practicable. In addition, school holidays were brought forward to 9 April, with school staff using the pupil-free days to plan and prepare for learning at home in Term 2.

J Rockliff (Tasmanian Minister for Education and Training), Education in Government schools, media release, 25 March 2020.

Alongside the measures agreed to by the National Cabinet, the Premier announced that every non-essential traveller would be required to sign a notice that they understood the rules regarding self-isolation and their obligations.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Additional coronavirus management measures, media release, 25 March 2020.

26 March 2020

The Minister for Education and Training provided clarification on the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) for senior secondary students and advised that no student would be locked out of post-school opportunities as a result of COVID-19 decisions.

J Rockliff (Tasmanian Minister for Education and Training), Tasmanian Certificate of Education update, media release, 26 March 2020.

The Premier announced the Social and Economic Support Package, which comprised measures to support health, businesses and jobs, households and individuals, and community organisations, including:

•        $150 million to purchase essential health equipment, supplies and provide additional staff

•        a funding increase for primary healthcare to $5 million

•        a Digital Ready for Business program to help businesses take their business online

•        waiving school levies for the year and

•        $2.7 million in measures to address family violence.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Unprecedented new Social and Economic Support Package released, media release, 26 March 2020.

The Minister for Building and Construction announced that changes were being made to residential tenancies to protect tenants from the economic impact of COVID-19. Under these changes, tenants could not be evicted for rent arrears or expiry of lease for at least the next three months.

E Archer (Tasmanian Minister for Building and Construction), Changes to residential tenancies, media release, 26 March 2020.

The Minister for Environment and Parks announced that all national parks and reserves would be temporarily closed for recreational use.

R Jaensch (Tasmanian Minister for Environment and Parks), National parks and reserves to close at midnight, media release, 26 March 2020.

28 March 2020

The Acting Director of Public Health issued a statement on the investigation into a healthcare worker employed at the Mersey Community Hospital who tested positive for coronavirus. A small number of people on the same shift were identified as close contacts and were in quarantine. The healthcare worker did not have close contact with any patients while they were infectious.

S McKeown (Acting Tasmanian Director of Public Health), Coronavirus update, media release, 28 March 2020.

30 March 2020

The Premier advised that a woman who was being treated for COVID-19 had died in the North West Regional Hospital.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Press conference, transcript, 30 March 2020.

31 March 2020

The Minister for Health announced that changes had been made to allow the emergency supply of certain medicines by a pharmacist without a prescription.

S Courtney (Tasmanian Minister for Health), Helping Tasmanians get the medications they need, media release, 31 March 2020.

April 2020

1 April 2020

The Premier outlined some of the measures under the COVID-19 Disease Emergency Bill 2020, passed the week before, including the easing of certain restrictions on shop trading hours and changing permit conditions to enable deliveries of supplies and freight outside of normal permitted hours.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Keeping Tasmanians safe and secure, media release, 1 April 2020.

2 April 2020

The Premier announced additional restrictions, including the temporary cessation of racing, restrictions to farmers markets, and the continued closure of the recreational scallop season.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Further measures to keep Tasmanians safe, media release, 2 April 2020.

3 April 2020

The Minister for Education and Training announced the School Recommendation Program, which would enable students to apply for most undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania, and be made an offer much earlier in the year, based on the recommendation of their school.

J Rockliff (Tasmanian Minister for Education and Training), Supporting Tasmanian Year 12 students into university, media release, 3 April 2020.

4 April 2020

The Minister for Health announced that additional coronavirus testing clinics were being opened in each region of Tasmania over the coming weeks. In addition, plans were being developed to introduce a drive-through testing capability at each of these sites.

S Courtney (Tasmanian Minister for Health), Local business building coronavirus testing clinics, media release, 4 April 2020.

The Minister for Local Government announced new arrangements to allow local councils to meet remotely, enabling them to maintain physical distancing measures while fulfilling their statutory requirements.

M Shelton (Tasmanian Minister for Local Government), Measures in place for council meetings, media release, 4 April 2020.

5 April 2020

The Minister for Health announced that the Launceston General Hospital specialists clinic (outpatients) had moved to an alternative location outside of the main hospital building and would be delivering many services via telehealth.

S Courtney (Tasmanian Minister for Health), Boosting telehealth services, media release, 5 April 2020.

The Tasmanian Premier ‘confirmed’ that the Easter Bunny had been granted special permission by the Tasmanian Government to travel around the state to deliver Easter eggs.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Special exemption for the Easter Bunny to travel to Tasmania, media release, 5 April 2020.

6 April 2020

The Chief Medical Officer advised that additional staff from the North West Regional Hospital tested positive to coronavirus, bringing the total in that specific outbreak to five staff. In addition, one patient also previously tested positive.

T Lawler (Tasmaninan Chief Medical Officer), Two NWRH staff test positive for coronavirus, media release, 6 April 2020.

7 April 2020

The Premier announced there would be no patient visits in hospitals (with limited exceptions), and restrictions on visits to residential aged care, with the exception of end-of-life support and essential visits by medical staff. In addition, residents would not be permitted to leave the facility unless it was for essential medical requirements as arranged by the facility’s management.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Keeping our hospitals and aged care facilities safe, media release, 7 April 2020.

10 April 2020

The Chief Medical Officer advised that staff at the North West Regional Hospital who worked in either the medical or surgical wards since 27 March would be quarantined for 14 days as part of a multi-faceted outbreak mitigation strategy. In addition, the Department of Health had taken operational control of the hospital to manage the outbreak.

T Lawler (Tasmanian Chief Medical Officer), Outbreak management update, media release, 10 April 2020.

12 April 2020

The Tasmanian Government announced that the North West Regional Hospital and the North West Private Hospital would close for 14 days as part of a five-stage plan to secure health services in the region. In addition, staff from the two hospitals would be required to undertake 14 days self-isolation after their last shift.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier) and S Courtney (Tasmanian Minister for Health), Plan to secure North-West health services, media release, 12 April 2020.

The Tasmanian Government announced additional restrictions in specific areas of the North-West for 14 days, with most retail businesses being required to close.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier) and S Courtney (Tasmanian Minister for Health), Further measures to protect the North-West Community, media release, 12 April 2020.

13 April 2020

The Minister for Education and Training issued additional advice for early childhood education and care centres in the North-West. Centres could choose to only accept children where both parents need to leave home to perform essential work duties.

J Rockliff (Tasmanian Minister for Education and Training), Childcare restrictions in the North-West, media release, 13 April 2020.

The Premier announced that an Australian Medical Assistance team would arrive in Tasmania within the week along with members of the Australian Defence Force to ensure emergency services at the North West Regional Hospital were able to resume once a deep clean of the area had been completed.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Federal assistance for North-West outbreak, media release, 13 April 2020.

17 April 2020

The Minister for Education and Training announced that the Rapid Response Skills Matching Service was operational. This service would assess the skills of displaced workers and match them to businesses needing new, work-ready employees.

J Rockliff (Tasmanian Minister for Education and Training), Skills matching service operational, media release, 17 April 2020.

The Premier announced that the Tasmanian Parliament would resume sitting from the week of 27 April 2020.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Parliament to resume, media release, 17 April 2020.

18 April 2020

The Attorney-General announced that Tasmanian courts had been provided with special authorisation to conduct proceedings remotely where required.

E Archer (Tasmanian Attorney-General), Authorisation to change court operations, media release, 18 April 2020.

The Tasmanian and Australian governments announced the establishment of a partnership between the state, Commonwealth and Sonic HealthCare to triple the testing capacity in Tasmania.

G Hunt (federal Minister for Health), R Colbeck (Senator for Tasmania) and S Courtney (Tasmanian Minister for Health), New partnership triples Tasmanian testing capacity, media release, 18 April 2020.

21 April 2020

The Tasmania Prison Service (TPS) introduced the Email a Prisoner service to help prisoners at the Risdon Correctional Facility stay connected with their family and friends while personal visits were suspended due to COVID-19.

E Archer (Tasmanian Minister for Corrections), Helping inmates stay connected, media release, 21 April 2020.

22 April 2020

The Minister for Corrections thanked TPS inmates who had used their manufacturing skills and training to provide a supply of face masks for use within the prison and wider community.

E Archer (Tasmanian Minister for Corrections), Tasmania Prison Service inmates helping out, media release, 22 April 2020.

The Premier announced a four-step process to assist temporary visa holders who had lost their jobs due to restrictions, including extending the eligibility for Pandemic Isolation Assistance Grants and additional funding to non-government organisations to provide additional emergency relief and assistance where required.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Support for temporary visa holders, media release, 22 April 2020.

The Minister for Building and Construction announced that the Tasmanian Government had issued a further Notice under the COVID-19 Disease (Emergency Provisions) Act 2020 to prevent residential rent increases.

E Archer (Tasmanian Minister for Building and Construction), Rent increase freeze in place for residential tenants during COVID-19 crisis, media release, 22 April 2020.

24 April 2020

The Minister for Education and Training announced that all government and Catholic schools in the North-West of Tasmania would remain closed, with Term 2 commencing on 4 May. Government schools outside this region would commence Term 2 on 28 April.

J Rockliff (Tasmanian Minister for Education and Training), North West school closures, media release, 24 April 2020.

The Premier advised that the retail business restrictions in the North-West would be extended for another week until 3 May.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), North West restrictions extended, media release, 24 April 2020.

29 April 2020

The Minister for Corrections announced a range of measures to ensure the health and wellbeing of TPS staff, prisoners and visitors, including all prisoners and remandees received into custody from 27 April being placed in mandatory isolation for 14 days.

E Archer
(Tasmanian Minister for Corrections), Tasmania Prison Service COVID-19 preparedness, media release, 29 April 2020.

The Minister for Housing announced nearly $4.3 million for housing and homelessness support, including funding to expand the Safe Night Space pilot to a 24/7 full wrap-around support service, and extra funding to expand Housing Connect’s capacity to provide emergency accommodation in hotels, motels and cabins statewide.

R Jaensch (Tasmanian Minister for Housing), Housing and homelessness support package, media release, 29 April 2020.

The Minister for Education and Training announced a $1.5 million Train Now fund, which would subsidise training for existing workers and sole traders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

J Rockliff (Tasmanian Minister for Education and Training), Support to boost staff skills and training, media release, 29 April 2020.

30 April 2020

The Tasmanian Government released the COVID-19 North West Regional Hospital Outbreak Interim Report. The Government accepted all the recommendations and said it was already implementing some actions, including:

•        enhanced staff screening

•        improving PPE training and communication for staff and

•        clarifying Return to Work processes on a statewide basis.

S Courtney (Tasmanian Minister for Health), COVID-19 North West Regional Hospital outbreak interim report, media release, 30 April 2020.

The Minister for Small Business, Hospitality and Events announced an additional $10 million for the small business grants program and another $10 million for the hardship grants program.

S Courtney (Tasmanian Minister for Small Business, Hospitality and Events), Tasmanian Government providing an extra $20 million for small business, media release, 30 April 2020.

The Premier announced the establishment of the Premier’s Economic and Social Recovery Advisory Council to provide advice to Government on strategies and initiatives to support the short to medium and longer term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Premier’s Economic and Social Recovery Advisory Council, media release, 30 April 2020.

May 2020

1 May 2020

The Attorney-General announced that a series of additional legislative measures to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 had passed the Tasmanian Parliament, with the COVID-19 Disease Emergency (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill (No. 2) of 2020 providing special measures to modify or amend the application of existing Acts.

E Archer (Tasmanian Attorney-General), Addressing the impact of COVID-19 in Tasmania, media release, 1 May 2020.

The Premier announced that the additional restrictions introduced to the North-West would be lifted from 12.00 am on 4 May, bringing the region in line with the rest of Tasmania’s restrictions.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Additional North West COVID-19 measures to be lifted, media release, 1 May 2020.

As part of the Social and Economic Support Package, the Tasmanian Government announced A Tasmanian Lifeline telephone service delivered by Lifeline Tasmania. The service was for anyone feeling stressed about COVID-19, anxious about the future, finding social isolation challenging, or just in need of advice, information, comfort and reassurance.

J Rockliff (Tasmanian Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing), New mental health hotline to support Tasmanians, media release, 1 May 2020.

2 May 2020

The Tasmanian Government announced a new partnership with the Australian Government, providing an additional $1.4 million to boost the response to family and sexual violence during the coronavirus pandemic.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence), Additional support for family and sexual violence during COVID-19, media release, 2 May 2020.

5 May 2020

The Minister for State Growth announced a new PPE supply register, through which PPE manufacturers and suppliers could list their business and products to help local businesses find the PPE they needed.

M Ferguson (Tasmanian Minister for State Growth), PPE register to support local businesses, media release, 5 May 2020.

7 May 2020

The Premier tabled a report on the uptake of the initiatives provided through the Social and Economic Support Package.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Social and economic support measures, media release, 7 May 2020.

The Minister for Health announced an increase to COVID-19 testing capacity through a partnership with the Australian Government and Sonic Healthcare, increasing capacity to 2,000 or more tests a day.

S Courtney (Tasmanian Minister for Health), Expanding COVID-19 testing in Tasmania, media release, 7 May 2020.

8 May 2020

The Attorney-General advised that the
COVID-19 Disease Emergency (Commercial Leases) Bill 2020 had passed the Tasmanian Parliament, giving effect to the Code of Conduct for commercial tenancies agreed upon by the National Cabinet.

E Archer (Tasmanian Attorney-General), COVID-19 commercial tenancy legislation passes state parliament, media release, 8 May 2020.

8 May 2020

The Premier released Tasmania’s Roadmap to Recovery and announced the easing of a number of restrictions starting from 11 May, including allowing:

•        20 people to attend funerals

•        people to visit those living in residential aged care once a week and

•        TasTAFE campuses and training facilities to open for small groups of students attending practical learning and assessments.

In addition, other restrictions would be progressively eased based on public health advice, with the Premier outlining some of these changes up to and including Stage Three from 13 July 2020.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Tasmania’s Roadmap to Recovery, media release, 8 May 2020.

The Minister for Education and Training released details on the staged return of students to the classroom, as identified in the Roadmap to Recovery, starting with kindergarten to Year 6 and Year 11 and 12 students from 25 May 2020.

J Rockliff (Tasmanian Minister for Education and Training), Our plan for Tasmanian students to return to the classroom, media release, 8 May 2020.

11 May 2020

The Minister for Education and Training announced an initiative through TasTAFE to support people who had been made redundant and were unemployed to re-enter the workforce through the SKILL UP for Your Future program, which would provide a suite of online short courses and skill sets.

J Rockliff (Tasmanian Minister for Education and Training), Supporting Tasmanians to SKILL UP, media release, 11 May 2020.

15 May 2020

The Premier released Tasmania’s Economic and Fiscal Update Report, which identified a likely deficit of just over $700 million and an unemployment rate of 12.25 per cent at the end of June 2020.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Tasmania’s Economic and Fiscal Update Report May 2020, media release, 15 May 2020.

19 May 2020

The Minister for Building and Construction announced the establishment of the COVID-19 Rent Relief Fund, providing targeted support of up to $2,000 or four weeks rent for tenants in extreme financial hardship.

E Archer (Tasmanian Minister for Building and Construction), Assisting Tasmanian renters during
COVID-19, media release, 19 May 2020.

22 May 2020

The Tasmanian Government released information on activities undertaken to minimise the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students, including a modified curriculum for Year 11 and 12 students, updates on exam and assessments dates, and the release of results.

J Rockliff (Tasmanian Minister for Education and Training), Supporting Year 11 and 12 students to return to school, media release, 22 May 2020.

27 May 2020

The Tasmanian Government announced a joint $300,000 package with Primary Health Tasmania to expand alcohol and drug services in response to the pandemic, including:

•        $235,000 for small grants of up to $25,000 to community sector organisations providing alcohol and other drug treatment inventions and support and

•        up to $50,000 to support community information.

J Rockliff (Tasmanian Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing), Alcohol and drug capacity building package, media release, 27 May 2020.

June 2020

2 June 2020

The Premier announced that the state would be easing Stage Two restrictions from 5 June, with changes including being able to travel across the state and more businesses being able to open.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Stage Two restrictions to be eased 3 pm Friday 5 June, media release, 2 June 2020.

3 June 2020

The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport announced practical driving assessments would resume, with additional government assessors being engaged and the expansion of a pilot allowing private driving instructors to conduct assessments. A $250,000 Driver Ready package was also announced, providing eligible learner drivers with access to free driving lessons.

M Ferguson (Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport), Driver assessments recommence, media release, 3 June 2020.

11 June 2020

The Premier announced that the State of Emergency Declaration would be extended by four weeks until 9 July 2020.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), State of Emergency Declaration extended, media release, 11 June 2020.

12 June 2020

The Premier announced there were no active COVID-19 cases in Tasmania and as such, some restrictions would be eased from noon on 17 June and Stage 3 restrictions would be brought forward to 26 June, at which point a date for lifting border restrictions would be confirmed.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Tasmania reaches zero active cases and brings forward easing restrictions, media release, 12 June 2020.

17 June 2020

The Premier announced further easing of restrictions, including allowing:

•        20 visitors to a home in addition to household members

•        groups of 20 to participate in social sports activities and

•        20 attendees per pool.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Further restrictions eased, media release, 17 June 2020.

18 June 2020

The Premier announced easing of visitation restrictions to aged care facilities, including allowing up to two people per visit with visit times being unrestricted, multiple visits within a day, and allowing people aged 16 years and under to visit.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Aged care restrictions, media release, 18 June 2020.

19 June 2020

The Minister for Building and Construction advised that current building, plumbing, demolition and partial completion permits would be extended by a further six months.

E Archer (Tasmanian Minister for Building and Construction), Six month extension to current building and plumbing permits, media release, 19 June 2020.

The Minister for Health announced some easing of hospital visitor restrictions for maternity services and palliative care.

S Courtney (Tasmanian Minister for Health), Maternity services and palliative care support changes, media release, 19 June 2020.

26 June 2020

The Premier announced that state borders would open on 24 July 2020, depending on public health advice.

P Gutwein (Tasmanian Premier), Date for borders to reopen, media release, 26 June 2020.

Table 10: announcements made by the Victorian Government

Milestones

Details

Source documents

February 2020

12 February 2020

The Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade announced that international students affected by the coronavirus outbreak would be supported with care packages through the Study Melbourne centre and online counselling.

M Pakula (Victorian Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade), Helping hand for international students, media release, 12 February 2020.

19 February 2020

The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events launched a $5 million interstate and international campaign to encourage people to visit Victoria as part of the Government’s response to COVID-19 and the recent bushfires.

M Pakula (Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events), New campaign takes Victoria to the world, media release, 19 February 2020.

27 February 2020

The Minister for Health joined with Victoria’s Chief Health Officer in calling for respect towards healthcare workers and patients in Victorian hospitals following reports of racial profiling in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.

J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health), Standing with our doctors and nurses against racism, media release, 27 February 2020.

March 2020

10 March 2020

The Victorian Government released its
COVID-19 Pandemic Plan for the Victorian Health Sector.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier), J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health) and B Sutton (Victorian Chief Health Officer), Victoria’s health system preparing for COVID-19 pandemic, media release, 10 March 2020.

11 March 2020

The Victorian Government announced that the State Control Centre had been activated to oversee and coordinate Victoria’s response to COVID-19.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier), J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health), B Sutton (Victorian Chief Health Officer) and A Crisp (Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner), State Control Centre activated to oversee COVID-19 response, media release, 11 March 2020.

15 March 2020

The Victorian Government announced a $100 million COVID-19 response package that sought to boost the health system’s capacity in preparation for the pandemic peak, including $60 million to assist with fast-tracking elective surgeries before the anticipated peak.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier) and J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health), COVID-19 capacity boost as elective surgery blitz starts, media release, 15 March 2020.

16 March 2020

The Victorian Government declared a State of Emergency for four weeks to strengthen measures to ‘flatten the curve’ and give the Victorian health system its best chance of managing COVID-19. As part of the first direction under these powers, non-essential gatherings of over 500 people were banned.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier), J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health) and B Sutton (Victorian Chief Health Officer), State of Emergency declared in Victoria over COVID-19, media release, 16 March 2020.

18 March 2020

The Minister for Housing announced almost $6 million in funding for Victorian homelessness organisations to reduce the incidence of rough sleeping and homelessness and to provide somewhere safe for people with COVID-19 to recover. In addition, pop-up accommodation would be established for people experiencing homelessness who need to quarantine or self-isolate in Melbourne.

R Wynne (Victorian Minister for Housing), More homelessness and public housing support in COVID-19 fight, media release, 18 March 2020.

The Victorian Government announced additional restrictions, with indoor public gatherings of more than 100 people banned and restrictions in aged care facilities introduced across Australia following agreement by the National Cabinet.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier), J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health) and B Sutton (Victorian Chief Health Officer), More restrictions put in place in the fight against COVID-19, media release, 18 March 2020.

19 March 2020

The Victorian Government announced $437 million to help the health system respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. This included:

•        $115 million to cover additional emergency department presentations, and hospital/intensive care unit admissions and

•        $107 million to buy life-saving equipment.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier) and J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health), Extra funding boost for health system COVID-19 response, media release, 19 March 2020.

21 March 2020

The Victorian Government announced a $1.7 billion economic survival and jobs package. This package included:

•        full payroll tax refunds for the 2019–20 financial year to small and medium businesses with payroll of less than $3 million

•        establishment of a Business Support Fund to support the hardest-hit sectors, including hospitality, tourism, accommodation, arts and entertainment, and retail

•        establishment of a $500 million Working for Victoria Fund, which would help people who have lost their jobs find new opportunities and

•        the Government paying all outstanding supplier invoices within five business days.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier) and T Pallas (Victorian Treasurer), Economic survival package to support businesses and jobs, media release, 21 March 2020.

22 March 2020

The Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers announced emergency relief packages were available to eligible people in mandatory self-isolation. Eligible households would receive a two-week supply of essential goods.

L Donnellan (Victorian Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers) and D McNamara (CEO of Foodbank Victoria), Emergency relief packages for Victorians who need it most, media release, 22 March 2020.

The Premier announced he would inform the National Cabinet that Victoria would implement a shutdown of all non-essential activities over 48 hours and that school holidays would be brought forward, commencing 24 March.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier), Statement from the Premier, media release, 22 March 2020.

23 March 2020

The Premier announced that Victoria Police had established a coronavirus enforcement squad of 500 officers to ensure containment measures are followed.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier), Statement from the Premier, media release, 23 March 2020.

25 March 2020

The Premier announced that Stage 2 restrictions would commence in Victoria from midnight, which included temporary closure of non-essential services.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier), Statement from the Premier, media release, 25 March 2020.

The Minister for Health directed all Victorian public hospitals to wind back non-urgent surgery.

J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health), Elective surgery wound back to prepare for coronavirus, media release, 25 March 2020.

28 March 2020

The Minister for Police and Emergency Services announced additional powers for Victoria Police, enabling them to issue on-the-spot fines to individuals and businesses who do not follow the COVID-19 restrictions.

L Neville (Victorian Minister for Police and Emergency Services), On the spot fines to keep Victorians safe, media release, 28 March 2020.

29 March 2020

The Minister for Health launched a new website where people with identified skills can express their interest in working in the Victorian health system to try to boost the workforce and response to COVID-19.

J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health), Call for skilled health professionals to join frontline, media release, 29 March 2020.

30 March 2020

The Minister for Health announced that all non-urgent public dental procedures would be temporarily unavailable for three months.

J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health), Suspending non-urgent public dental for coronavirus, media release, 30 March 2020.

The Premier announced the introduction of Stage 3 restrictions, which included:

•        people only being allowed to leave their homes for four reasons: food and supplies; medical care; exercise; and work or education and

•        gatherings of no more than two people unless they are members of an immediate household and it is for work or education.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier), S[t]atement from the Premier, media release, 30 March 2020.

31 March 2020

Following deliberations by the National Cabinet, the sale of firearms and ammunition for sporting or recreational purposes would be temporarily banned ‘for the duration of the coronavirus outbreak’.

L Neville (Victorian Minister for Police and Emergency Services), Restrictions on the sale of firearms and ammunition, media release, 31 March 2020.

April 2020

1 April 2020

The Minister for Agriculture launched the Agriculture Workforce Plan, worth $50 million. The plan matches workers who have lost their jobs with employers in the agriculture sector, to help businesses and producers meet their labour and operational needs.

J Symes (Victorian Minister for Agriculture), Giving jobseekers a fresh start in agriculture, media release, 1 April 2020.

The Victorian Government announced $1.3 billion for the health system to establish an additional 4,000 intensive care unit beds.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier) and J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health), Huge expansion of our health system to fight coronavirus, media release, 1 April 2020.

2 April 2020

The Minister for Health announced the Victorian Government had finalised an agreement with Victoria’s major private hospital operators to ensure they could continue to care for people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health), Healthcare system to work as one during pandemic, media release, 2 April 2020.

3 April 2020

The Minister for Regional Development announced the Delivered, Live Streaming Festival would stream live music and comedy acts on 4 April. The event aimed to keep people connected and support creative industries and regional communities.

J Symes (Victorian Minister for Regional Development), Live streaming festival helping connect Victoria, media release, 3 April 2020.

The Premier announced the establishment of a Crisis Council of Cabinet (CCC), the core decision-making forum of the Victorian Government on all matters relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CCC would initially operate until 30 September 2020 and include seven ministers, who were sworn in to their new portfolios while keeping their current portfolio responsibilities.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier), Crisis Council of Cabinet set up to combat coronavirus, media release, 3 April 2020.

5 April 2020

The Minister for Education announced $45 million to support sessional kindergarten providers. To be eligible for the funding, providers must not charge families and allow children to attend 15 hours per week for free.

J Merlino (Victorian Minister for Education), Free sessional kinder for Victorian kids, media release, 5 April 2020.

The Victorian Government announced that hospital staff and paramedics would have access to free accommodation if they needed to self-isolate.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier) and J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health), Supporting workers on the frontline of coronavirus fight, media release, 5 April 2020.

6 April 2020

The Minister for Planning announced new planning rules that provide exemption for essential businesses from existing noise restrictions. The exemption applies to the dispatch and delivery of essential goods.

R Wynne (Victorian Minister for Planning), Boosting the flow of essential goods, media release, 6 April 2020.

To boost police resources, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services announced an increase in the range of ‘designated places’ where Protective Services Officers (PSOs) can exercise their powers.

L Neville (Victorian Minister for Police and Emergency Services), Deploying PSOs to where Victorians need them, media release, 6 April 2020.

7 April 2020

The Victorian Government announced all Victorian government primary, secondary and special schools would move to remote and flexible learning and teaching for Term 2. In addition, changes were announced to the academic timetable for Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) students. Free internet access and laptops would be provided to government school students without access to digital technologies, with the Government loaning 6,000 laptops and tablets and providing 4,000 SIM cards in partnership with Telstra.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier) and J Merlino (Victorian Minister for the Coordination of Education and Training: COVID-19), Victorian students to learn from home, as VCE timelines revised, media release, 7 April 2020.

9 April 2020

The Victorian Government announced that it had provided $500,000 to a local company to establish a local consortium to manufacture ventilators.

M Pakula (Victorian Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade), Backing Victorian industry to boost supply of ventilators, media release, 9 April 2020.

The Minister for Local Government announced an extended deadline for council budgets and annual reports to enable councils to focus on their local communities during the pandemic.

A Somyurek (Victorian Minister for Local Government), Councils granted extra time to resolve budgets, media release, 9 April 2020.

10 April 2020

The Victorian Government announced it would use repurposed aged care sites to provide self-isolating accommodation for Victorians experiencing homelessness.

R Wynne (Victorian Minister for Housing), Safe places for the homeless to recover and isolate, media release, 10 April 2020.

The Victorian Government announced $40.2 million of crisis accommodation and specialist services for people experiencing or at risk of family violence.

G Williams (Victorian Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence) and R Wynne (Victorian Minister for Housing), A safe place to escape family violence during coronavirus, media release, 10 April 2020.

12 April 2020

The Premier announced that the State of Emergency for Victoria would be extended by an additional four weeks, until midnight 11 May 2020.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier), State of Emergency for coronavirus extended to save lives, media release, 12 April 2020.

The Victorian Government announced a $59.4 million package for Victoria’s mental health system. The package included:

•        $17.8 million for phase one of the rollout of 170 additional acute mental health beds and

•        $6.7 million to expand online and counselling services through BeyondBlue, Lifeline, Kids Helpline and Suicide Line Victoria.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier) and M Foley (Victorian Minister for Mental Health), Surge funding helping our mental health system during crisis, media release, 12 April 2020.

14 April 2020

The Minister for Ambulance Services announced the fast-tracking of the recruitment of 120 paramedics, brought forward from the next financial year.

J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Ambulance Services), Boosting paramedic recruits on coronavirus frontline, media release, 14 April 2020.

17 April 2020

The Victorian Government announced a $260.8 million package to support the TAFE and training system, with student numbers expected to decrease. $191.9 million would lock in funding at expected pre-COVID-19 levels and $68.9 million would be allocated to crisis support to ensure the system can respond and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier), J Merlino (Victorian Minister for Education) and G Tierney (Victorian Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education), Skilling up Victorians to get through the coronavirus crisis, media release, 17 April 2020.

The Minister for Prevention of Family Violence announced $3 million for 12 women’s health services over the next two years to continue their work in preventing family violence.

G Williams (Victorian Minister for Prevention of Family Violence), More funding to keep women and children safe, media release, 17 April 2020.

21 April 2020

The Minister for Education announced that the first set of 15 learning activities connected to educational programs were screening on ABC ME and online at ABC iview through a partnership between the Government and the ABC to support remote and flexible learning. The resources had also been added to the Victorian Government’s new Learning from Home website.

J Merlino (Victorian Minister for Education), Partnership with ABC to support learning from home, media release, 21 April 2020.

22 April 2020

The Premier released modelling by the Department of Treasury and Finance that suggested 270,000 jobs could be lost and unemployment may reach 11 per cent in September 2020. In addition, the modelling suggested that Gross State Product may decline by 14 per cent in the June quarter and property prices may fall by up to nine per cent by the end of 2020.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier), New modelling confirms hit to economy, unemployment spikes, media release, 22 April 2020.

Following a decision by the National Cabinet, the Minister for Health announced the reintroduction of more category two and some category three elective surgeries in Victoria’s public and private hospitals from 27 April, following a slowdown of new coronavirus cases.

J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health), Elective surgeries to increase after ANZAC Day weekend, media release, 22 April 2020.

23 April 2020

The Minister for Child Protection announced $77.5 million over the next two years to support at-risk children by increasing staff, resources and services available to them. This funding included $46 million to increase the capacity of family services to provide additional outreach support and more than $15 million for residential care services to form mobile response teams.

L Donnellan (Victorian Minister for Child Protection), More support to keep families and children safe, media release, 23 April 2020.

The Minister for Education announced an additional 21,000 internet dongles would be made available to Victorian students to support remote learning, with priority given to senior secondary students, students in bushfire affected areas and families who cannot afford internet at home.

J Merlino (Victorian Minister for Education), Extra devices and internet delivered for remote learning, media release, 23 April 2020.

The Minister for Multicultural Affairs announced funding to support the Victorian Muslim community celebrate Ramadan. Funding included $5,000 to help mosques get IT-ready so they could hold digital services and reach out to their communities, and $20,000 for the Islamic Council of Victoria to continue providing halal food packs to families in need.

R Spence (Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs), Supporting Victoria’s Muslim community during Ramadan, media release, 23 April 2020.

24 April 2020

The Victorian Parliament passed four Bills to enable Victoria to respond to the pandemic, including the Appropriation (Interim) Bill 2020 comprising $24.5 billion in emergency funding to support jobs and businesses and set up the state to recover from the pandemic over the next two years.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier), Legislation to support jobs, services and Victorians passes, media releases, 24 April 2020.

26 April 2020

The Minister for Creative Industries announced a $16.8 million package to provide immediate support to Victorian creative organisations and individuals to sustain employment, develop new works and provide opportunities for creative community participation.

M Foley (Victorian Minister for Creative Industries), Survival package to help save arts jobs, media release, 26 April 2020.

27 April 2020

The Victorian Government announced a major ‘testing blitz’, seeking to test up to 100,000 people for coronavirus over a two week period, with testing being made more available with mobile testing sites across Melbourne.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier) and J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health), Major coronavirus testing blitz targets 100,000, media release, 27 April 2020.

30 April 2020

The Victorian Government announced that police, firefighters and other frontline workers would be able to access free accommodation if they needed to self-isolate, through an expansion of the Hotels for Heroes program.

L Neville (Victorian Minister for Police and Emergency Services) and L Donnellan (Victorian Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers), Hotels for heroes expanded to more frontline workers, media release, 30 April 2020.

May 2020

1 May 2020

The Victorian Government launched Victoria Together, an online portal to showcase the ‘best Victoria has to offer’, including live music, virtual tours of galleries and livestreaming Zoo Victoria’s Animal House. The site was part of a campaign to help keep Victorians connected and to support creative industries during the pandemic.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier) and M Foley (Victorian Minister for Creative Industries), Keeping Victoria together during coronavirus, media release, 1 May 2020.

3 May 2020

The Minister for Energy, the Environment and Climate Change announced a $14 million support package for Zoo Victoria and Phillip Island Nature Parks so they can continue to operate and retain permanent staff while closed to the public.

L D’Ambrosio (Victorian Minister for Energy, the Environment and Climate Change), Supporting Victoria’s much loved wildlife attractions, media release, 3 May 2020.

5 May 2020

The Victorian Treasurer announced that businesses participating in the JobKeeper scheme would be exempt from payroll tax and the WorkCover premium on payments to employees who were currently stood down.

T Pallas (Victorian Treasurer), Saving jobs and reducing the burden on businesses and families, media release, 5 May 2020.

6 May 2020

The Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers announced $17 million to ensure all Victorians with a disability are able to access services and supports in a timely way during the pandemic, including funding for new Disability Liaison Officers in health services, advocacy organisations, and additional respite hours.

L Donnellan (Victorian Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers), Supporting Victorians with disability during coronavirus, media release, 6 May 2020.

The Minister for Industrial Relations announced the Victorian Government would ensure that casual public sector workers who were ineligible for the JobKeeper program could access their fortnightly pay of up to $1,500 before tax until the end of September, provided they were happy to be redeployed to other public sector roles where there is a high demand.

T Pallas (Victorian Minister for Industrial Relations), Supporting thousands more workers during coronavirus, media release, 6 May 2020.

The Minister for Multicultural Affairs announced $11.3 million to support multicultural and multifaith communities, including:

•        nearly $5 million to support vulnerable and at-risk youths and families in financial hardship who need essential items

•        $2.2 million to provide basic needs assistance to asylum seekers and

•        $1.1 million towards culturally appropriate family violence prevention and early intervention services.

R Spence (Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs), Helping multicultural Victorians through coronavirus, media release, 6 May 2020.

8 May 2020

The Minister for Education announced $900,000 in grants for new programs and extra staffing at kindergartens not yet receiving funding through the School Readiness Funding. The package would help kindergartens to support children learning at home.

J Merlino (Victorian Minister for Education), Helping kinder kids to learn from home, media release, 8 May 2020.

9 May 2020

The Attorney-General announced $17.5 million in funding for frontline legal assistance services in response to the coronavirus.

J Hennessy (Victorian Attorney-General), Delivering access to justice for more Victorians, media release, 9 May 2020.

11 May 2020

The Premier announced some easing of restrictions including allowing:

•        maximum gatherings of up to ten people outdoors and up to five people visiting at someone’s home

•        up to 10 guests at weddings

•        up to 20 people attending a funeral held indoors and up to 30 people if they are outdoors and

•        the resumption of some outdoor recreational activities.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier), Statement from the Premier, media release, 11 May 2020.

The Minister for Prevention of Family Violence launched the Respect Each Other: ‘Call it Out’ campaign to urge people to be alert to and call out early warning signs of family violence during the pandemic.

G Williams (Victorian Minister for Prevention of Family Violence), Calling out family violence during coronavirus, media release, 11 May 2020.

12 May 2020

The Victorian Government announced that government school students would begin a phased return to the classroom from 26 May.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier) and J Merlino (Victorian Minister for Education), Getting our kids back into the classroom, media release, 12 May 2020.

13 May 2020

The Victorian Government announced a $150 million Experience Economy Survival Package to help sporting clubs, major tourist attractions, galleries and museums, and the racing industry return after the pandemic.

M Pakula (Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events), R Spence (Victorian Minister for Community Sport) and M Foley (Victorian Minister for Creative Industries), Backing sport, tourism and cultural icons to rebound, media release, 13 May 2020.

The Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change announced a $3.7 million package to support people experiencing financial hardship to manage their energy and gas bills.

L D’Ambrosio (Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change), Targeted support for Victorians struggling with energy bills, media release, 13 May 2020.

15 May 2020

The Minister for Training and Skills announced the Retrenched Apprentices and Trainees program, which would assist affected apprentices and trainees to stay engaged with their training and to place them with appropriate employers.

G Tierney (Victorian Minister for Training and Skills), New initiative to keep apprentices learning, media release, 15 May 2020.

17 May 2020

The Minister for Equality announced $820,000 for a range of measures to support the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQI communities and support organisations to meet increased demand during the pandemic.

M Foley (Victorian Minister for Equality), Support for LGBTIQ Victorians during pandemic, media release, 17 May 2020.

The Minister for Education announced $2.6 million in grants to help with cleaning and hygiene costs for early childhood services that were delivering a funded kindergarten program in Term 2.

J Merlino (Victorian Minister for Education), Free cleaning grants for kinders, media release, 17 May 2020.

19 May 2020

The Victorian Government announced a $350 million Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund, which would support universities with capital works, applied research and research partnerships.

T Pallas (Victorian Treasurer) and G Tierney (Victorian Minister for Higher Education), Supporting Victorian universities, media release, 19 May 2020.

21 May 2020

The Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade launched Upskill My Business, which provides businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with free access to online short courses and training events. This platform was part of the Economic Survival Package.

M Pakula (Victorian Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade), Providing the skills for businesses to emerge stronger, media release, 21 May 2020.

22 May 2020

The Minister for Education announced that the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) exams would commence from 9 November, a month earlier than initially anticipated when learning from home commenced.

J Merlino (Victorian Minister for Education), Certainty for students with exams to start in November, media release, 22 May 2020.

The Minister for Resources announced that the Earth Resources Regulation would defer the collection of rent and annual fees until January 2021 to aid the cash flow of mines, quarries and exploration companies.

J Symes (Victorian Minister for Resources), Support for Victoria’s vital mining and quarry businesses, media release, 22 May 2020.

26 May 2020

The Minister for Multicultural Affairs announced up to $500,000 in grants for multicultural media outlets for new equipment and technology. The grants would enable outlets to continue to deliver services and help communities stay connected.

R Spence (Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs), Broadcasting boost for multicultural media outlets, media release, 26 May 2020.

28 May 2020

The Minister for Agriculture launched the Business Adaptation grants program, as part of the Working for Victoria Agriculture Workforce Plan, to support food supply chain businesses in rural, regional and outer metropolitan areas.

J Symes (Victorian Minister for Agriculture), New grants keeping critical food supply businesses going, media release, 28 May 2020.

31 May 2020

The Minister for Health announced that the State of Emergency in Victoria would be extended for another three weeks until 21 June 2020.

J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health), State of Emergency extended to keep slowing the spread, media release, 31 May 2020.

June 2020

6 June 2020

The Minister for Health announced ‘almost $850,000’ for the Victorian Doctors Health Program and the Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria to provide more access to free, independent and confidential support for doctors, nurses, midwives and healthcare students.

J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health), More health support for our frontline heroes, media release, 6 June 2020.

10 June 2020

The Minister for Health urged people to continue seeking medical treatment and general healthcare check-ups, noting that the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre had reported a 40 per cent fall in referrals at the start of the pandemic.

J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health), Don’t neglect your health during the pandemic, media release, 10 June 2020.

11 June 2020

The Victorian Government announced that learner permit and driver licence testing would progressively resume, with more than 200 new staff hired to assist with appointments postponed due to coronavirus restrictions.

J Pulford (Victorian Minister for Roads), Licence testing to resume, media release, 11 June 2020.

12 June 2020

The Victorian Government relaunched the Respect Older People: ‘Call it Out’ campaign, as the coronavirus pandemic had led to an increase in physical and social isolation for many older Victorians.

G Williams (Victorian Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence) and L Donnellan (Victorian Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers), Respecting and protecting older Victorians, media release, 12 June 2020.

13 June 2020

The Minister of Housing announced additional funding for people experiencing homelessness to keep them in their current emergency accommodation and plan their pathway out into more stable long-term housing.

R Wynne (Victorian Minister for Housing), Hearts and homes helping through coronavirus, media release, 13 June 2020.

14 June 2020

The Minister for Health announced that targeted coronavirus testing would run until the end of August and focus on local government areas with low testing rates, communities with high case numbers, high-risk workforces, and vulnerable groups.

J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health), Stepping up targeted testing to track coronavirus, media release, 14 June 2020.

16 June 2020

The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs announced $23 million to support Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and Traditional Owner group networks with resources to develop Aboriginal-led, culturally safe responses to coronavirus.

G Williams (Victorian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs), Supporting Aboriginal Victorians through coronavirus, media release, 16 June 2020.

21 June 2020

The Minister for Health announced that the State of Emergency for Victoria would be extended by another four weeks until 19 July 2020.

J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health), State of Emergency extended to keep slowing the spread, media release, 21 June 2020.

24 June 2020

The Minister for Training and Skills announced free short courses on infection control for workers in customer-facing roles through a national infection control skill set project, in partnership with the Australian Government.

G Tierney (Victorian Minister for Training and Skills), Training workers to keep Victorians safe, media release, 24 June 2020.

25 June 2020

Following an increase in cases, the Premier issued a statement on the commencement of a Suburban Testing Blitz, which aimed to do 10,000 tests a day for 10 days in priority suburbs to focus on community transmission. This effort was supported by pathology labs in NSW, SA, Tasmania, Queensland and a number of private providers, as well as planning and logistical support from the Australian Defence Force.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier), Statement from the Premier, media release, 25 June 2020.

26 June 2020

The Victorian Government announced that approximately 4,800 thermometers would be distributed to holiday locations for on-site temperature testing during the school holidays, with additional coronavirus testing clinics being established in popular tourist locations.

M Pakula (Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events), J Symes (Victorian Minister for Regional Development) and J Mikakos (Victorian Minister for Health), Temperature tests provide holiday security for Victorians, media release, 26 June 2020.

28 June 2020

The Premier announced mandatory testing for all returned travellers in hotel quarantine. Victoria had implemented a testing program with returned travellers being tested on day three and day 11. Under new legal directions, the day 11 test would be mandatory for people eligible for release after 14 days; anyone who refused testing would be required to remain in quarantine for an additional 10 days (24 days in total).

D Andrews (Victorian Premier), Mandatory testing for returned travellers, media release, 28 June 2020.

30 June 2020

The Premier announced a return to tougher restrictions, including:

•        specific postcodes would return to Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions until at least 29 July

•        following genomic testing linking a number of cases to a breach of hotel quarantine, an inquiry would be undertaken to investigate the operation of the hotel quarantine program and

•        flights would be diverted to other cities for the next two weeks while the hotel quarantine program was reset.

D Andrews (Victorian Premier), Statement from the Premier, media release, 30 June 2020.

Table 11: announcements made by the Western Australian Government

Milestones

Details

Source documents

February 2020

3 February 2020

The Chief Health Officer released a statement for members of the Exmouth community stating that there was ‘no risk to them contracting Novel coronavirus from the flights arriving at Learmonth on transit to Christmas Island’.

WA Chief Health Officer, Chief Health Officer statement: novel coronavirus update #3—Exmouth community, media release, 3 February 2020.

10 February 2020

The WA Government announced a $12.85 million package to support the tourism industry and deliver cheaper regional flights, with part of this package focusing on driving interstate and intrastate tourism, in response to the east coast bushfires and coronavirus.

M McGowan (WA Premier), R Saffioti (Minister for Transport) and P Papalia (Minister for Tourism), New funding boost for WA tourism and regional aviation, media release, 10 February 2020.

21 February 2020

The WA Chief Medical Officer advised that a WA resident, who was a Diamond Princess evacuee and tested positive for COVID-19, was being airlifted to WA for treatment.

WA Chief Health Officer, Chief Health Officer statement COVID-19 update #6, media release, 21 February 2020.

March 2020

1 March 2020

The Department of Health advised that a
78-year-old man died in Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital from COVID-19 related complications—Australia’s first coronavirus death.

WA Department of Health, WA confirms first novel coronavirus death, media release, 1 March 2020.

9 March 2020

The Minister for Health announced that three COVID-19 clinics would open on 10 March 2020 at major metropolitan public hospitals.

R Cook (WA Minister for Health), WA COVID clinics to help combat coronavirus community spread, media release, 9 March 2020.

The Minister for Education and Training announced that a school travel ban had been extended to include the US and Canada, with New Zealand being the only country to which international travel by WA school groups would be considered.

S Ellery (WA Minister for Education and Training), School travel ban extended to United States and Canada, media release, 9 March 2020.

11 March 2020

The WA Government released an updated pandemic plan, which was reviewed to respond directly to the potential impacts of COVID-19.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and R Cook (WA Minister for Health), Updated WA Government Pandemic Plan released in response to COVID-19, media release, 11 March 2020.

The Minister for Health announced that eight metropolitan PathWest collection centres would be dedicated exclusively to COVID-19 specimen collection for people referred by a GP.

R Cook (WA Minister for Health), PathWest boosts COVID-19 capacity, media release, 11 March 2020.

16 March 2020

The WA Government announced a $607 million package to support WA households and small businesses, which included:

•        $402 million to freeze household fees and charges and

•        a $114 million payroll tax announcement for small and medium businesses.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and B Wyatt (WA Treasurer),
COVID-19 economic response: relief for businesses and households, media release, 16 March 2020.

The WA Government announced COVID-19 paid leave for all WA public sector workers of up to 20 days for employees whose paid personal, carers or sick leave entitlements had been exhausted. The COVID-19 paid leave would also be available to casual public sector staff.

M McGowan (WA Minister for Public Sector Management) and B Johnston (WA Minister for Industrial Relations), McGowan Government introduces COVID-19 leave for public sector workers, media release, 16 March 2020.

The WA Government announced a temporary extension of trading hours for Coles and Woolworths for one month, with special arrangements for pensioners, older people and people with disability.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and J Quigley (WA Minister for Commerce), Extra shopping hours to help WA’s pensioners and people with disabilities, media release, 16 March 2020.

17 March 2020

The Minister for Small Business announced that the Small Business Development Corporation hotline and website would be refocused to deal specifically with enquiries from business owners about the Australian and WA Government measures designed to alleviate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

P Papalia (WA Minister for Small Business), Small business support services boosted in response to COVID-19, media release, 17 March 2020.

19 March 2020

The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs announced the release of a set of binding Directions that included restricting access in and out of remote Aboriginal communities and empowered Aboriginal people to regulate visitors.

B Wyatt (WA Minister Aboriginal Affairs), New Directions to protect remote Aboriginal communities from COVID-19, media release, 19 March 2020.

22 March 2020

The WA Premier announced new restrictions and arrival requirements for travel to WA from other states and territories. Unless people are exempt, they would be required to self-isolate for 14 days.

M McGowan (WA Premier), New border controls to help protect Western Australia, media release, 22 March 2020.

23 March 2020

The Premier announced the introduction of Stage 1 restrictions from noon, with the expectation that the restrictions would be in place for at least six months.

Schools would remain open until the end of the school term, as agreed by National Cabinet; however, parents would not face the usual consequences if they decided not to send their children to school.

M McGowan (WA Premier), Important new
COVID-19 measures come into effect, media release, 23 March 2020.

24 March 2020

The Minister for Local Government announced new regulations to allow council meetings to be held electronically during a public health emergency or state of emergency.

D Templeman (WA Minister for Local Government), Council meetings to continue electronically during emergencies, media release, 24 March 2020.

26 March 2020

The WA Government partnered with the Australian Government to implement new restrictions for access to designated regions of WA to protect the health and wellbeing of people in the Kimberley and remote Aboriginal communities, with limited special exemptions.

B Wyatt (WA Minister for Aboriginal Affairs), Access restricted to protect people living in the Kimberley and remote Aboriginal communities, media release, 26 March 2020.

26 March 2020

The WA Government announced new learning arrangements for WA government schools from (Monday) 30 March, with families encouraged to keep children at home.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and S Ellery (WA Minister for Education and Training), Changes to government school learning from Monday, media release, 26 March 2020.

The WA Premier announced a suite of administrative measures to assist the state in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including legislation to increase the Treasurer’s Advance limit by $1 billion, giving the Government immediate capacity to fund economic stimulus, health, and other services as necessary. Cabinet also agreed that a number of existing initiatives would be deferred indefinitely to free up resources.

M McGowan (WA Premier), Administrative changes to support COVID-19 response, media release, 26 March 2020.

WA Health announced special arrangements for pharmacists to dispense prescription medication, subject to certain conditions, including it not being practicable for the person to obtain a repeat prescription from an authorised health practitioner.

WA Department of Health, Measures to ease prescription difficulties, media release, 26 March 2020.

The Minister for Health announced a $3 million funding round to support local COVID-19 related research.

R Cook (WA Minister for Health), $3 million to provide opportunities for local COVID-19 research, media release, 26 March 2020.

The Minister for Housing clarified that one-off payments or increases to statutory payments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic would not be included in the eligibility assessment for social housing or in the 25 per cent assessable income used for rent calculation.

P Tinley (WA Minister for Housing), COVID-19 response payments not included in eligibility assessments for social housing, media release, 26 March 2020.

27 March 2020

The WA Government and FoodAllianceWA launched a dedicated program, Here for WA, to support jobs and fill labour shortages in the agriculture and food industry across the state in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A MacTiernan (WA Minister for Agriculture and Food), Initiatives to supply agricultural labour, media release, 27 March 2020.

28 March 2020

The Minister for Education and Training announced changes to the operations of TAFE colleges, with a temporary pause in the face-to-face delivery of most courses until the end of Term 1 and a blended model of online and face-to-face delivery in Term 2.

S Ellery (WA Minister for Education and Training), Changes to operations at WA TAFE colleges from Monday, media release, 28 March 2020.

30 March 2020

The Premier announced the establishment of a $159 million COVID-19 Relief Fund with Lotterywest, with funding for crisis and emergency relief support available to eligible not-for-profit and community organisations.

M McGowan (WA Premier), $159 million COVID-19 Relief Fund to provide crisis support, media release, 30 March 2020.

The WA Government announced it would waive rental payments for small businesses and not-for-profit groups in government-owned buildings for six months.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and B Wyatt (WA Treasurer), Rent relief for small businesses and not-for-profits, media release, 30 March 2020.

31 March 2020

The Minister for Community Services announced a trial, Hotels with Heart, focusing on rapidly housing people experiencing homelessness to keep them safe and out of hospital.

S McGurk (WA Minister for Community Services), Hotel rooms pilot to protect rough sleepers from
COVID-19, media release, 31 March 2020.

The Minister for Health advised that an order for more than $15 million worth of clinical equipment had been placed, which included 301 ventilators, 200 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, and 4,000 pulse oximeters.

R Cook (WA Minister for Health), WA boosting health system capacity for COVID-19 critical care, media release, 31 March 2020.

The WA Government announced a $1 billion COVID-19 economic and health relief package, which included:

•        further relief for households experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, including extension of the Energy Assistance Payment; no disconnections of power and water; waiving of interest and/or late payment fees for some taxes; and additional support for customers of Keystart, a WA Government initiative which provides low-deposit home loans

•        $502 million for small and medium-sized businesses affected by COVID-19, including a reduction in electricity bills; payroll tax relief; and waiving of a range of licence fees

•        support for community service providers, including reduced electricity bills and funding certainty from government agencies continuing to pay contracts with the sector and

•        an additional $500 million allocated to health and other frontline service delivery, and capacity for additional industry support.

Measures would be in place until 30 September 2020, and reviewed when necessary. The state Budget would be deferred until 8 October to enable the Government to focus on responding to COVID-19.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and B Wyatt (WA Treasurer), $1 billion COVID-19 economic and health relief package unveiled, media release, 31 March 2020.

The WA Premier released advice reminding people of the intrastate travel restrictions in effect from 11:59 pm, with people not being permitted to travel outside of their regional boundary, with limited exemptions.

M McGowan (WA Premier), Intrastate travel ban comes into effect from 11.59 pm tonight, media release, 31 March 2020.

April 2020

1 April 2020

The Minister for Transport announced a $9 million relief package to support the taxi and On-demand Transport industry.

R Saffioti (WA Minister for Transport), $9 million relief package for On-demand Transport industry passes Parliament’s Lower House, media release, 1 April 2020.

The WA Government announced that new penalties to protect frontline workers from COVID-19 related assaults or threats had passed both Houses of Parliament.

M Roberts (WA Minister for Police) and J Quigley (WA Attorney-General), Tough penalties to protect essential frontline workers during pandemic, media release, 1 April 2020.

2 April 2020

The WA Government advised that the Emergency Management Amendment
(COVID-19 Response) Bill had passed both Houses of Parliament, with new laws to help enforce self-isolation and increase penalties for COVID-19 related incidents.

M McGowan (WA Premier), F Logan (WA Minister for Emergency Services) and M Roberts (WA Minister for Police), New emergency management powers to combat COVID-19, media release, 2 April 2020.

The Premier announced additional Kimberley travel restrictions to stop the movement of people between towns and local government areas.

M McGowan (WA Premier), Stronger restrictions in place to protect Kimberley residents from
COVID-19, media release, 2 April 2020.

The WA Government advised that amendments to four Acts had passed both Houses of Parliament, bringing into force laws to protect victims of family and domestic violence.

J Quigley (WA Attorney-General) and S McGurk (WA Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence), New laws to protect family violence victims during
COVID-19 pandemic, media release, 2 April 2020.

The Premier announced further border restrictions, with people no longer being able to enter WA from 11:59 pm on 5 April without an exemption.

M McGowan (WA Premier), Temporary border closure to better protect Western Australians, media release, 2 April 2020.

8 April 2020

The WA Government announced a $91 million package to support the state’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including 150 additional police officers and $17.8 million to expand police tracking and tracing capabilities.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and M Roberts (WA Minister for Police), $91.2 million police package to support COVID-19 response, media release, 8 April 2020.

The Minister for Fisheries announced a relief package for commercial fisheries, including waiving a range of licence fees.

P Tinley (WA Minister for Fisheries), Commercial fishers’ licence fees waived as part of stimulus push, media release, 8 April 2020.

9 April 2020

The Minister for Health launched a new Be Positive. Be Connected. Be Active. campaign, encouraging people to support one another and seek additional help if they needed it throughout the pandemic.

R Cook (WA Minister for Health), More support for Western Australians’ wellbeing during COVID-19, media release, 9 April 2020.

11 April 2020

The Minister for Planning issued a range of exemptions to local planning requirements, including a blanket two-year extension for all current development approvals to assist job-creating projects during the recovery stage. In addition, the Notice of Exemption identified other matters across a number of essential local community services that no longer required planning approval.

R Saffioti (WA Minister for Planning), Minister issues exemption notice for local planning approvals, media release, 11 April 2020.

17 April 2020

The WA Government announced government schools would be open to all parents and carers who choose to send their children to school from the beginning of Term 2. School arrangements would be reviewed before the start of week 4. Distance education resources would be provided to students who continued to learn at home.

$43 million was committed to enhance school safety and cleaning regimes.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and S Ellery (WA Minister for Education and Training), Soft Term 2 opening for public schools as part of COVID-19 response, media release, 17 April 2020.

19 April 2020

The Minister for Health announced a new plan to bring more than 600 ventilated beds on line.

R Cook (WA Minister for Health), WA launches new plan for 600+ ventilated beds, media release, 19 April 2020.

21 April 2020

The WA Government announced that new laws had passed the WA Parliament, which established a six-month moratorium on evictions for certain commercial tenancies and established a mandatory code of conduct to assist with negotiations between landlords and tenants.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and J Quigley (WA Attorney-General), Eviction moratorium and code of conduct to protect WA businesses, media release, 21 April 2020.

22 April 2020

The WA Government announced it would resume some elective surgeries from 28 April 2020.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and R Cook (WA Minister for Health), Elective surgery to resume in Western Australia, media release, 22 April 2020.

The Minister for Agriculture and Food announced it was supporting the resumption of air freight of agrifood exports to Singapore, with funding provided to the main agrifood exporter into Singapore. The WA Government was working with the Australian Government on a longer-term solution for food exporters to be funded by the Australian Government.

A MacTiernan (WA Minister for Agriculture and Food), Supporting air freight to Singapore, media release, 22 April 2020.

23 April 2020

The Minister for Mines and Petroleum announced that the Mines Safety Levy would be reduced by 20 per cent from 1 July 2020 to provide relief for mining companies.

B Johnston (WA Minister for Mines and Petroleum), Mines Safety Levy to be reduced, media release, 23 April 2020.

The WA Government announced a $154.5 million package to support tenants, landlords and the construction industry, which included:

•        $100 million for land tax relief grants for commercial landlords

•        $30 million for grants of up to $2,000 for residential tenants who had lost their job and are facing financial hardship and

•        $2,000 payments to eligible employers to maintain existing apprentices and trainees.

M McGowan (WA Premier), B Wyatt (WA Treasurer), J Quigley (WA Minister for Commerce) and P Papalia (WA Minister for Small Business), New $154.5 million relief package to support tenants, landlords and construction industry, media release, 23 April 2020.

26 April 2020

The WA Government announced the easing of some restrictions, including indoor and outdoor non-work gatherings being relaxed to enable up to 10 people.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and R Cook (WA Minister for Health), Cautious easing of restrictions thanks to WA’s
COVID-19 progress, media release, 26 April 2020.

29 April 2020

The WA Government announced mandatory COVID-19 hygiene training and assessment for hospitality staff, with venues only able to reopen when restrictions were lifted and all staff had successfully passed the training.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and P Papalia (WA Minister for Small Business), COVID-19 hygiene training sets course for hospitality recovery, media release, 29 April 2020.

30 April 2020

The WA Government announced new measures to streamline the process of awarding contracts for transport construction projects up to a value of $20 million to support small and mid-sized contractors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and R Saffioti (WA Minister for Transport), Major projects fast-tracked to support jobs during COVID-19, media release, 30 April 2020.

May 2020

1 May 2020

The WA Government announced it was partnering with the Telethon Kids Institute to undertake a study, the DETECT schools program, to test for COVID-19 among school students and staff without symptoms.

M McGowan (WA Premier), R Cook (WA Minister for Health) and S Ellery (WA Minister for Education and Training), Research study to track impact of COVID-19 in schools, media release, 1 May 2020.

6 May 2020

The WA Government announced it was partnering with major resource companies and researchers to roll out COVID-19 testing among ‘fly-in fly-out’ (FIFO) mining and resource workers who do not have symptoms, as part of the DETECT project.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and R Cook (WA Minister for Health), Research expanded to FIFO workers to track possible COVID-19, media release, 6 May 2020.

7 May 2020

The WA Government announced a new lending facility to support local governments and universities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

B Wyatt (WA Treasurer), S Ellery (WA Minister for Education and Training) and D Templeman (WA Minister for Local Government), $100m short-term lending facility to support local governments and universities through COVID-19, media release, 7 May 2020.

10 May 2020

The WA Government released its roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions, with Phase 1 having commenced on 27 April, and further restrictions set to ease on 18 May. Changes included:

•        indoor and outdoor non-work gatherings being lifted to 20 people

•        people being encouraged to return to work, unless they are unwell or vulnerable and

•        cafés and restaurants reopening for meal service with a limit of up to 20 patrons.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and R Cook (WA Minister for Health), The WA roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions, media release, 10 May 2020.

11 May 2020

The Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence announced an initial $3.1 million from the Australian Government to support services for people experiencing family and domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

S McGurk (WA Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence), $3 million strengthens pandemic response to violence in the home, media release, 11 May 2020.

13 May 2020

The WA Government announced a $14.4 million package to support tourism, which included two programs:

•        $10.4 million in one-off cash grants for up to 1,600 small businesses and

•        a $4 million Tourism Business Survival Grant program, with grants of $25,000 to $100,000 available.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and P Papalia (WA Minister for Tourism), $14.4 million package to support tourism industry and jobs, media release, 13 May 2020.

14 May 2020

The WA Government announced that all school students would be required to return to school from 18 May, with an exemption for students who may be medically vulnerable or have a family member with a chronic health condition.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and S Ellery (WA Minister for Education and Training), All WA students to return to school from next week, media release, 15 May 2020.

21 May 2020

The WA Government established a review team to undertake an urgent review of skills, training and workforce development in response to the impact of COVID-19 on the workforce.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and S Ellery (WA Minister for Education and Training), Urgent review of skills, training and workforce development announced, media release, 21 May 2020.

The Minister for Health announced that the Western Australian Future Fund Amendment (Future Health Research and Innovation Fund) Bill had passed state Parliament. The legislation repurposed the $1.4 billion WA Future Fund, allowing interest to be directed to local health and medical research. The WA Future Health Research and Innovation Fund had been given an initial commitment of an additional $37 million over the next three years and under this funding, it was expected that up to $6 million of the first year’s allocation would be dedicated to COVID-19 research.

R Cook (WA Minister for Health), Funding breakthrough for WA health and medical research, media release, 21 May 2020.

The WA Government announced it would defer WA’s transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme Quality and Safeguards Commission until 1 December 2020 to enable providers to focus on critical support issues for people with disability during the pandemic.

S Dawson (WA Minister for Disability Services), More time for transition to Quality and Safeguards Commission, media release, 21 May 2020.

25 May 2020

The Minister for Culture and Arts announced a $1.5 million support package to help artists.

D Templeman (WA Minister for Culture and the Arts), Support for WA artists through $1.5 million COVID support program, media release, 25 May 2020.

The WA Government announced that WA regional travel boundaries would be further reduced, with only regions bound by the Commonwealth’s designated biosecurity determination and 274 remote Aboriginal communities remaining restricted.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and R Cook (WA Minister for Health), Regional travel restrictions to be lifted as part of WA roadmap, media release, 25 May 2020.

27 May 2020

The Premier announced that a State Recovery Advisory Group had been established, which would help guide the development of the State Recovery Plan.

M McGowan (WA Premier), State Recovery Advisory Group to guide WA’s COVID-19 recovery, media release, 27 May 2020.

The Minister for Health announced that people from vulnerable groups who do not have any COVID-19 symptoms could be tested under the DETECT Snapshot project. An opportunity to be tested was also extended to healthcare workers, police staff, meat workers, supermarket and retail staff, and hospitality workers.

R Cook (WA Minister for Health), DETECT Snapshot testing to begin, media release, 27 May 2020.

28 May 2020

The Treasurer provided the state Parliament with a preliminary assessment of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the WA economy and state’s finances.

B Wyatt (WA Treasurer), Treasurer provides Parliament with
COVID-19 economic update, media release, 28 May 2020.

29 May 2020

The WA Government announced Phase 3 of the roadmap to ease COVID-19 restrictions would come into effect from 6 June 2020. Changes included allowing:

•        non-work indoor and outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people at any one time, per single undivided space, up to a total of 300 people per venue

•        food businesses and licensed premises to operate with seated service and

•        alcohol to be served without a meal at licensed premises.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and R Cook (WA Minister for Health), Phase 3 of COVID-19 roadmap to commence from Saturday, June 6, media release, 29 May 2020.

June 2020

4 June 2020

The Australian Government agreed to remove the Commonwealth Biosecurity restrictions. As such, from 5 June the Kimberley, Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku and parts of the East Pilbara would reopen to the rest of the state.

M McGowan (WA Premier), R Cook (WA Minister for Health) and B Wyatt (WA Minister for Aboriginal Affairs), Kimberley to reopen to the rest of Western Australia, media release, 4 June 2020.

5 June 2020

The WA Government announced that training costs would be covered for apprentices and trainees who had had their contracts cancelled or suspended to enable them to continue their training ‘off the job’ for up to six months.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and S Ellery (WA Minister for Education and Training), Fees scrapped to support more than 3,000 displaced apprentices and trainees, media release, 5 June 2020.

7 June 2020

The WA Government announced a $444 million housing package to boost WA’s economic recovery and support the building and construction sectors. The package included:

•        $117 million for $20,000 Building Bonus grants for homebuyers

•        $142 million to refurbish 1,500 existing social housing dwellings and

•        $97 million to construct social housing dwellings and purchase off-the-plan units for supported housing programs.

M McGowan (WA Premier), B Wyatt (WA Treasurer) and P Tinley (WA Minister for Housing), New $444 million housing stimulus for Western Australia, media release, 7 June 2020.

8 June 2020

The Minister for Education and Training announced changes for government schools under Phase 3 of the roadmap, which included parents, carers and visitors being allowed inside schools for meetings and to drop off and pick up students.

S Ellery (WA Minister for Education and Training), Restrictions lifted for public schools as WA moves into Phase 3 of COVID recovery, media release, 8 June 2020.

9 June 2020

The Minister for Mental Health announced funding for mental health, alcohol and other drug support services, including $6 million for a COVID-19 recovery mental health funding package to support people already accessing mental health, alcohol and other drug services.

R Cook (WA Minister for Mental Health), $56 million investment to provide mental health, alcohol and other drug support to at-risk and vulnerable groups, media release, 9 June 2020.

15 June 2020

The Minister for Health announced that elective surgery had returned to full capacity.

R Cook (WA Minister for Health), Public hospital elective surgery back at full capacity, media release, 15 June 2020.

18 June 2020

The Minister for Health announced the results of the DETECT Snapshot, which undertook two weeks of testing on people who had no symptoms of COVID-19. There were no positive cases identified.

R Cook (WA Minister for Health), Picture of wellness captured in DETECT Snapshot, media release, 18 June 2020.

22 June 2020

The WA Government announced Phase 4 easing of restrictions would start on 27 June, with changes including gathering limits only being determined by the 2 square metre rule, and major sporting and entertainment venues to have a 50 per cent capacity rule.

M McGowan (WA Premier) and R Cook (WA Minister for Health), WA ready for the next phase of the COVID-19 roadmap, media release, 22 June 2020.

Sources

Information identified in this chronology has predominantly been taken from the websites identified in Table 12, using the search terms ‘coronavirus’ and ‘COVID-19’ in June and July 2020.

Table 12: main sources for this chronology

NSW

2020 media releases from B Hazzard (Minister for Health)

NSW Government News

2020 media releases from NSW Health

Queensland

Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory media statements

Department of Health media releases

Victoria

Premier of Victoria media centre

Department of Health and Human Services coronavirus updates

Tasmania

Premier of Tasmania COVID-19 daily updates

Tasmanian Government coronavirus disease (COVID-19) media releases

Department of Health news

South Australia

2020 media releases from SA Health

Western Australia

Government of WA media statements

Department of Health media releases

Australian Capital Territory

ACT Government media releases

Northern Territory

NT Government coronavirus (COVID-19) updates

NT Government Newsroom

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[1].               G Hunt (Minister for Health) and B Murphy (Australian Government Chief Medical Officer), First confirmed case of novel coronavirus in Australia, media release, 25 January 2020; and New South Wales, Ministry of Health, Coronavirus cases confirmed in NSW, NSW Health website.

[2].               World Health Organization (WHO), WHO Director-General’s remarks at the media briefing on 2019-nCoV on 11 February 2020, speech, 11 February 2020.

[3].               WA Health, WA confirms first novel coronavirus death, media release, 1 March 2020.

[4].               This chronology summarises key announcements from state and territory governments on COVID-19 up until 30 June 2020. For the sake of completeness, it is noted that a NSW border closure was announced on 8 July 2020.