Legal issues during COVID-19

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 example, if you have a certain medical condition. You can find more information on the requirement to wear a face covering here.

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