Suspension of mutual obligation requirements for job seekers and participants in Central West New South Wales

The Morrison Government has suspended mutual obligation requirements for job seekers and participants in the Blayney, Cabonne and Orange Local Government Areas in Central West New South Wales, after the announcement of a seven-day COVID-19 lockdown. 

The temporary suspension of mutual obligation requirements will be in place from today, Wednesday 21 July, and will remain in place until Tuesday 3 August 2021 inclusive.

These arrangements will apply to job seekers in jobactive, Online Employment Services, Disability Employment Services and participants in ParentsNext who live or are serviced in in the Blayney, Cabonne and Orange Local Government Areas.  

Job seekers and participants in these areas will not face payment suspensions or financial penalties for failing to meet their mutual obligation requirements that are due, or are arranged to occur, during the suspension period.  

Job seekers and participants in these areas are encouraged to stay connected to employment services to ensure they are supported to access the full range of assistance, including mental health services if required. Job seekers should continue to check when their mutual obligation requirements are due after the temporary suspension ends.

Special Circumstances Exemptions continue to be available through Services Australia for job seekers and participants who require them.

The Government will continue to closely monitor the situation in New South Wales, and other jurisdictions affected by COVID-19 restrictions. 

More information about mutual obligation requirements can be found at: http://www.dese.gov.au/covid-19/job-seekers