Legal issues during COVID-19

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Last Updated: 10 February 2021

The laws around COVID-19 are changing rapidly. We recommend you check here for the most up to date COVID-19 information from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Changes to renting laws

There have been significant changes to the Victorian renting laws due to covid-19.

These covid-19 renting laws are expected to remain until 29 March 2021 when they are replaced by Victoria’s new renting laws.

The best place to read about the covid-19 renting laws is here: https://www.tenantsvic.org.au/advice/coronavirus-covid-19/

And the best place to read about the current and new renting laws is here: https://www.tenantsvic.org.au/

Changes to employment laws

There were temporary covid-19 changes to Australia’s employment laws (known as Jobkeeper).

Jobkeeper is currently due to end on 28 March 2021.

The best place to read about employment rights is here: http://jobwatch.org.au/jobkeeper-2-0-qa/

And if you are a young worker (under 30) we recommend you get in touch with our friends at the Young Workers Centre: https://www.youngworkers.org.au/

Current Victorian covid-19 settings

The covid-19 settings are rapidly changing and we recommend you get the latest information directly from the Department here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Do I have to wear a face mask?

The rules around face masks keep changing. You can find the current rules here.

As of 3 February 2021 it is really important that you carry a face mask with you at all times.

The latest update also requires you to:

  • Wear face masks in indoor spaces (including workplaces). It is recommended to wear them when visotirs come to your home.
  • While in indoor spaces (apart from eating and drinking)

You must still wear a mask in a number of places including:

  • On public transport
  • In taxis or ride shares (like Uber)
  • When going to large retail venues (shopping centres, supermarkets, Bunnings etc)
  • Shopping Centres
  • Indoor markets
  • On flights/at the airport
  • In hospitals
  • When visiting aged care.

You are still encouraged to wear a mask indoors and outdoors when you cannot keep 1.5 meters distance from other people.

If you don’t follow the rules – the police may give you a fine. You should contact us for advice if you get a fine.

There are some exceptions to having to wear a face covering. For exampleif you have a certain medical condition. You can find more information on the requirement to wear a face covering here.

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for?

If you can’t find the answer to your question here, please call to speak to a lawyer on 03 9113 9500 or send an email to legal@youthlaw.asn.au and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.