As the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic evolves, we will provide State and Federal Government updates as they happen so you have the latest information available to you in this changing situation.
Update 15 April
Emergency sitting of the Victorian Parliament
The Victorian Parliament will be recalled two weeks early for a one day emergency sitting on Thursday 23 April 2020 to pass vital legislation to assist the ongoing response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Supporting Tenants and Landlords through Coronavirus
The Victorian Government will bring urgent legislation to the Parliament in line with decisions of the National Cabinet to support tenants and landlords through the coronavirus pandemic by reforming residential and commercial tenancy laws.
Update 12 April
Surge funding helping our mental health system during crisis
The Victorian Government has announced a funding boost to support Victoria’s mental health system and ensure Victorians get the care they need, as demand for services spikes during the coronavirus crisis.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley today announced a $59.4 million package to help meet demand as Victorians reach out for help with stress, isolation and uncertainty.
The State of Emergency in Victoria is being extended for another four weeks to give the Victorian Government the powers it needs to keep slowing the spread of coronavirus and save lives.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced today that the State of Emergency declared last month would be extended until midnight 11 May 2020 to continue the measures designed to ‘flatten the curve’ of coronavirus and give our health system the best chance of managing the virus. The State of Emergency was originally due to expire on 13 April.
Update 10 April
A safe place to escape family violence
The Victorian Government will ensure women and children escaping family violence have a safe place to go and the support they need during the coronavirus pandemic.
Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams and Minister for Housing Richard Wynne today announced the Victorian Government will invest $40.2 million in crisis accommodation and specialist services for people suffering or at risk of family violence.
Safe places for the homeless to recover and isolate
The Victorian Government will use repurposed aged-care sites to provide self-isolation facilities for Victorians experiencing homelessness – helping them recover from coronavirus, or avoid infection in the first place.
Update 9 April
Councils granted extra time to resolve budgets
The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring councils can continue to focus on delivering for the communities they represent by extending the deadline for council budgets and annual reports.Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek has announced an extended deadline for 2020/21 Council budgets until 31 August and for annual reports to 30 November.
Update 21 March
Economic survival to support business and jobs
The Victorian Government will pump billions of dollars into the economy to help Victorian businesses and workers survive the devastating impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Treasurer Tim Pallas today announced a $1.7 billion economic survival and jobs package, which has been developed following discussions at National Cabinet and complements the work of the Federal Government.
Update 19 March
Hotline for businesses dealing with COVID-19
The Andrews Labor Government today launched a hotline for businesses dealing with the significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak.
The pandemic is creating issues for businesses large and small who are facing a downturn in trade, bans on events and restrictions on indoor gatherings, as well as challenges in dealing with employee safety and entitlements.
Media releases:
