Roadmap to a COVIDSafe Australia: Headline Measures Fact Sheet - Australian ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Roadmap toRoadmap
a COVIDSafe
Australia: Out:
Headline
Headline Measures Fact Sheet
Measures
Fact Sheet
A fact sheet tracking the easing of restrictions Federally and by State and Territory.
Included in this is National Cabinet announcements, State and Territory roadmaps
to recovery and information in relationMonth, Date,
to schools, 2017
border closures, social
distancing and travel restrictions.
Natalie Chynoweth
November 2020
Current as at 26th November 2020
Roadmap Out: Headline Measures Fact Sheet
Factsheet as at 26 November 2020
Contents
1. Framework for National Reopening – 23 October 2020 ................................................................. 3
2. National Cabinet announcements ................................................................................................. 6
3. State and Territory Individual Roadmaps .................................................................................... 36
QLD Roadmap - updated 17 November 2020 ................................................................................. 36
WA Roadmap - updated 17 November ............................................................................................ 37
ACT Roadmap – updated 9 October ............................................................................................... 38
VIC Roadmap – updated 18 November ........................................................................................... 39
State & Territory Statements on Roadmaps Out: Easing Restrictions .............................................. 40
4. Definition of Vulnerable Groups - Federal statement ................................................................... 67
5. Federal Travel Restrictions ......................................................................................................... 68
Federal statements ......................................................................................................................... 68
6. Schools, Higher Education and TAFEs ....................................................................................... 71
Federal Statement ........................................................................................................................... 71
State & Territory Statements- Schools............................................................................................. 73
Roadmap Out: Headline Measures Fact Sheet | as at 26 November 2020 Pa g e |2
1. Framework for National Reopening – 23 October 2020 Roadmap Out: Headline Measures Fact Sheet | as at 26 November 2020 Pa g e |3
Roadmap Out: Headline Measures Fact Sheet | as at 26 November 2020 Pa g e |5
2. National Cabinet announcements Note: For Cabinet Announcements prior to 16th April please refer to previous versions of the Headline Measures Fact Sheet (noting date of publication). 18 November – The Commonwealth, states and territories have agreed to mandatory weekly testing for all staff working in coronavirus quarantine facilities across the country. Australia's Acting Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly made the announcement in the wake of the South Australian COVID-19 cluster in Adelaide northern suburbs. 13 November – The National Cabinet met today for the 31st time to discuss Australia’s COVID-19 response, the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, the Framework for National Reopening by Christmas, helping Australians prepare to go back to work in a COVID-safe environment and getting the economy moving again. National Cabinet continues to work together to address issues and find solutions to the health and economic consequences of COVID-19. The Acting Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, provided an update on the latest epidemiological data and medical advice in relation to COVID-19. There have been more than 27,600 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 907 people have died. There are now around 80 active cases in Australia. Most notably, National Cabinet noted the significant reduction in community transmission, and that there have been only a small number of cases of community transmission in the last fortnight. More than 9.2 million tests have been undertaken in Australia. Australia has done well on both the health and economic fronts compared to most countries around the world. National Cabinet noted the significant increase in COVID-19 cases in many countries and the comparative strength of Australia’s effort in addressing COVID compared to most other developed economies. Globally there have been over 52 million cases and sadly over 1.2 million deaths. Today there have been more than 500,000 new cases reported. National Cabinet endorsed the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, which sets out the roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth, states and territories in rolling out COVID-19 vaccination. National Cabinet welcomed the Commonwealth Government’s announcement that Australia had secured access to 134.8 million doses of four leading vaccine candidates. National Cabinet adopted all recommendations in the National Contact Tracing Review, presented by the Australian Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel. While vaccines are being developed, and treatments for COVID-19 are being improved, an important means to bring about a return to normal economic and community activity is rapid testing, contact tracing, isolation and outbreak management. These measures back up the ongoing need for COVID-safe behaviours such as social distancing and good hygiene. National Cabinet will meet again on Friday 11 December 2020, when the National Federation Reform Council will also meet, with a focus on mental health. Framework for National Reopening - A COVID Normal Australia The Commonwealth, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory agreed to a new ‘Framework for National Reopening Australia by Christmas’ (document attached), subject to local health advice and building on and enhancing the 3-Step Framework for a COVID Safe Australia developed in May 2020. Western Australia did not agree to the National Framework for Reopening, specifically the domestic Roadmap Out: Headline Measures Fact Sheet | as at 26 November 2020 Pa g e |6
border and international arrival proposals. The Framework provides the Australian community and businesses with a way forward where Australians can live and work in a COVID Normal Australia, recognising that the highly infectious nature of COVID-19 means that it will be present until a COVID-19 vaccine is found. The Framework underscores the need for continued health vigilance while providing a path to easing the physical and mental burden on Australians. The Framework establishes an updated Common Operating Picture based on the advice of Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel AO, with strengthened criteria to ensure that health systems are prepared and detailed information is publicly available on COVID-19 conditions. The Commonwealth and seven states and territories agreed that reopening by Christmas under the Framework sets a pathway for the removal of domestic border restrictions where it is safe to do so, and with free movement of people and freight consistent with National Cabinet’s strategy of suppression with a goal of no community transmission. Review of state and territory contact tracing and outbreak management systems National Cabinet endorsed the review led by Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel of the contact tracing and outbreak management systems in each state and territory and agreed to adopt all 22 recommendations. All states and territories were assessed as now having strong contact tracing and outbreak management systems in place. The review provides characteristics of an optimal contact tracing and outbreak management system and recommends that every state and territory regularly stress test their systems. The review found that patient testing, contact tracing and case management should be fully digital end to end. However while a fully digital system dramatically improves efficiency of contact tracing, it will never replace the need for well-trained contact tracers and expert public health oversight – states and territories should employ a permanent workforce for tracing and outbreak management, with senior public health leadership and should have an additional surge workforce trained and at the ready. Contact tracing must never fall behind. In the event of an outbreak, every effort should be made to go hard and go early. The review recommended the creation of a digital data exchange so that states and territories can easily access and transfer information about cases and contacts where people have crossed borders. Commonwealth, NSW, Vic and ACT will work to develop a data exchange system. The review found that states and territories should share new and emerging technologies, such as electronic venue and workplace attendance registration systems, smartphone apps to monitor selfquarantine, new diagnostic tests and wastewater surveillance. Further details are available at: www.health.gov.au Australian COVID-19 Vaccine Policy Australia is well positioned for early access to a breakthrough COVID-19 vaccine in 2021. The Commonwealth Government has secured early access to 134.8 million doses of four leading vaccine candidates worth over $3.2 billion, in addition to up to 25 million vaccines candidates through the global COVAX facility. Vaccines, should they be deemed safe and effective, are expected to be available by March 2021. National Cabinet endorsed the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy (the Policy). The Policy sets out how the COVID-19 pandemic vaccination program will be rolled out - one of the biggest exercises in health logistics Australia has ever seen. The policy sets out clear lines of responsibility Roadmap Out: Headline Measures Fact Sheet | as at 26 November 2020 Pa g e |7
and clear plans for delivering on these responsibilities will be crucial. The Commonwealth will
purchase all vaccines, leading logistics and distribution and will manage significant centralised
national oversight and coordination in order to manage continuing complexities and critical
unknowns, as well as to track the movement of doses and uptake of vaccination and oversee future
surveillance. Immunisation administration will be managed jointly between the Commonwealth and
the States and Territories.
The key principles and assumptions for the vaccination program include:
• Free of charge for all Australian citizens, permanent residents, and most visa-holders
• Not mandatory, but strongly encouraged
• To be rolled out on the basis of identified priority populations, linked to delivery schedules, with
scope for redirections to outbreak response
• Centralised Commonwealth oversight, with defined responsibilities for the Australian and State
and Territory governments
The initial priority groups for COVID-19 immunisation identified by the Australian Technical Advisory
Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) are:
• People who have an increased risk, relative to others, of becoming very sick or dying from
COVID-19 should they contract it.
• People who are at increased risk of exposure and hence being infected with and transmitting
SARS-CoV-2 to others at risk of severe disease or are in a setting with high transmission
potential.
• People working in services critical to the functioning of our society, including select essential
services staff and people working in supply and distribution of essential goods and services.
Further details are available at: www.health.gov.au
Australians returning home
National Cabinet agreed to continue to prioritise the return of Australians. Since the beginning of the
pandemic over 414,000 Australians have returned to Australia on commercial flights, and 69 flights
facilitated by the Department fo Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Since 18 September 2020, around 10,900 Australians registered with the Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade have returned to Australia. However, since 18 September 2020 the list of
registered Australians has grown from 26,200 to 35,637. Between now and Christmas, we expect to
bring an additional 27,000 Australians home. Further places will become available once Melbourne
Airport reopens to international arrivals.
National Cabinet agreed international air passenger caps have played an important role in ensuring
jurisdictions’ quarantine systems can protect Australians at home. The Commonwealth will be
extending the international air passenger caps till 31 January 2020 for Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and
Adelaide, with further increases to be made if and when additional quarantine places become
available.
National Cabinet welcomed progress on plans by the Victorian Premier to reopen Melbourne to
international travellers. The Commonwealth and Northern Territory Government are finalising
arrangements to increase capacity at the Howard Springs Quarantine Facility. Both the Australian
Capital Territory and Tasmanian Governments have agreed to facilitate the return of 360 and 450
Australians respectively before Christmas. Leaders agreed that, wherever possible, existing surge
capacity for quarantine will remain in place for vulnerable Australians. The Queensland Government
Roadmap Out: Headline Measures Fact Sheet | as at 26 November 2020 Pa g e |8
agreed to continue to surge above their weekly 1,000 passenger cap, and will now allow an
additional 300 vulnerable Australians per week.
National Cabinet agreed a range of measures to support efforts to maximise the use of available
seats to further boost the number of Australians who can return before Christmas. Going forward,
caps and other arrangements will be implemented on a weekly basis and, in consultation with the
relevant jurisdiction, an overallocation by up to 10 per cent above caps will be allowed.
The Commonwealth will continue to work with states and territories to facilitate the arrival of
additional facilitated flights, carrying registered Australians and prioritising vulnerable Australians.
Jurisdiction Arrangements
• Australian Capital Territory 360 passengers over two flights before Christmas
• New South Wales a weekly cap of 3,000 passengers into Sydney
• Northern Territory finalising arrangements with the Commonwealth to increase capacity at
Howard Springs Quarantine Facility from the current 500 per fortnight
• South Australia a weekly cap of 600 passengers into Adelaide
• Queensland a weekly cap of 1,000 passengers into Brisbane, and increased surge efforts to
300 vulnerable Australians per week
• Tasmania 450 Australians over three flights before Christmas
• Western Australia a weekly cap of 1,025 passengers into Perth
International Students
The National Cabinet agreed to continue prioritising returning Australians. Quarantine space must
be prioritised to Australians, including vulnerable Australians, seeking to return home. While we look
forward to welcoming international students back and will continue planning for their return, we
cannot progress the broader entry of international students at this time.
Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements
The National Cabinet noted the Commonwealth Government’s proposed response to the Royal
Commissioner into National Natural Disaster Arrangements and agreed to work collaboratively on
the recommendations that require joint government action.
The National Cabinet further agreed that a National Emergency Management Ministers Meeting will
be initially responsible for driving and coordinating implementation of the Royal Commission’s
recommendations, including design of ongoing governance mechanisms. This Meeting will work
closely with other relevant Ministers who have responsibilities relevant to recommendations of the
Royal Commission.
The Commonwealth’s response to the Royal Commission can be found at:
https://www.pmc.gov.au/resource-centre/pmc/national-approach-national-disasters
National Cabinet Infrastructure and Transport Reform Committee
The National Cabinet agreed to establish the Infrastructure and Transport National Cabinet Reform
Committee (the Committee), which will be chaired by the Commonwealth Minister for Infrastructure,
Transport and Regional Development the Hon Michael McCormack MP.
The National Cabinet tasked the Committee with coordinating efforts to deliver infrastructure
investment stimulus between jurisdictions, and presenting opportunities to improve freight transport
connectivity across all transport modes by mid-2021. The National Cabinet also tasked the
Committee with developing proposals to streamline planning and approval processes at all levels of
government to support faster and more efficient delivery of infrastructure projects.
Roadmap Out: Headline Measures Fact Sheet | as at 26 November 2020 Pa g e |9
Automatic Mutual Recognition of Occupational Licences The National Cabinet agreed in principle to establish an Intergovernmental Agreement on Automatic Mutual Recognition of Occupational Licences, with that agreement to be signed by the end of the year following further work by the Council of Federal Financial Relations. To give effect to this, draft legislation to amend the Commonwealth Mutual Recognition Act 1992 will be released by the end of the year to facilitate automatic mutual recognition commencing by 1 July 2021. 23 October – The National Cabinet met again today to discuss Australia’s COVID-19 response, recent progress following the Victorian outbreak, easing restrictions (including international border measures), helping Australians prepare to go back to work in a COVID-safe environment and getting the economy moving again. National Cabinet continues to work together to address issues and find solutions to the health and economic consequences of COVID-19. Australia has done well on both the health and economic fronts compared to most countries around the world. There continues to be differences in testing rates between states and territories, and National Cabinet agreed on the importance of enhanced testing. More than 8.4 million tests have been undertaken in Australia. National Cabinet noted the increase in COVID-19 cases in many countries and the comparative strength of Australia’s effort in addressing COVID compared to most other developed economies. National Cabinet noted the 2020-21 Budget and the collective work needed across the Federation to facilitate economic recovery measures. National Cabinet thanked the Council on Federal Financial Relations for its work and noted further work is underway to coordinate the federation-wide economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to drive a more productive economic recovery. National Cabinet will meet again on Friday 13 November 2020. Framework for National Reopening - A COVID Normal Australia The Commonwealth, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory agreed in-principle to a new ‘Framework for National Reopening Australia by Christmas’ (document attached), building on and enhancing the 3- Step Framework for a COVID Safe Australia developed in May 2020. Western Australia did not agree to the National Framework for Reopening, specifically the domestic border and international arrival proposals. The Framework will provide the Australian community and businesses with a way forward where Australians can live and work in a COVID Normal Australia, recognising that the highly infectious nature of COVID-19 means that it will be present until a COVID-19 vaccine is found. The Framework underscores the need for continued health vigilance while providing a path to easing the physical and mental burden on Australians. The Framework will establish an updated Common Operating Picture with strengthened criteria to ensure that health systems are prepared and detailed information is publicly available on COVID-19 conditions. The criteria take into account the National Hotel Quarantine Review by Ms Jane Halton AO PSM and will be informed by further work underway by Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel AO on digital contact tracing and public health systems, and advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC). The Commonwealth and seven states and territories agreed to finalise the Framework by the next National Cabinet meeting on 13 November 2020 and ensure that a new Common Operating Picture is publicly available by 1 December 2020. Roadmap Out: Headline Measures Fact Sheet | as at 26 November 2020 P a g e | 10
The Commonwealth and seven states and territories agreed that reopening by Christmas under the
Framework sets a pathway for the removal of domestic border restrictions where it is safe to do so,
and with free movement of people and freight consistent with National Cabinet’s strategy of
suppression with a goal of no community transmission.
Improving Quarantine Systems
Ms Jane Halton AO PSM presented the final report of the National Review of Hotel Quarantine
(document attached). National Cabinet thanked Ms Halton for the extensive work undertaken to review
the hotel quarantine system in seven of eight states and territories.
Ms Halton noted that quarantine constitutes a first line of defence in preventing the importation of
COVID-19 into Australia. While the quarantine system should be managed to limit breaches, the
robustness of a second line of defence (testing and contact tracing) is essential as it is not possible
to manage a quarantine system that is completely error free. There must also be a third line of defence
- physical distancing, hygiene and health system capacity.
National Cabinet agreed to publish the National Review of Hotel Quarantine and to implement
recommendations, noting that the Commonwealth and the Northern Territory had already established
an emergency-surge quarantine capacity supported by the Northern Territory at Howard Springs.
National Cabinet agreed to keep working on risk stratification as an appropriate approach to
progressively increasing the number of international arrivals to Australia in a COVID-safe manner,
including Australians returning home. Potential alternative approaches could include quarantine such
as home quarantine, on farm quarantine, quarantine by universities and private providers, and use of
technology and expanding international travel arrangements with very low risk countries and cohorts.
As noted by Ms Halton and AHPPC, alternatives to hotel quarantine for low risk cohorts can also free
up significant capacity in Australia’s hotel quarantine system for returning Australians.
National Cabinet noted that any changes to quarantine settings for international arrivals must be done
in a way that maintains health considerations as an absolute priority.
Australians returning home
National Cabinet noted that there are a significant number of Australians wishing to return home from
overseas, with the Commonwealth already taken steps to further support those facing personal
hardship.
National Cabinet agreed that all jurisdictions would continue to work towards enabling more
Australians to return home. Existing international air passenger arrival caps will continue until 21
November 2020, with ongoing review by National Cabinet. National Cabinet noted that a number of
the states and territories will support the Commonwealth in increasing the number of vulnerable
Australians returning home. This includes the Commonwealth- Northern Territory arrangement to
provide 500 beds at Howard Springs, with the first flight dedicated to vulnerable Australians arriving
in Darwin today.
A further arrangement, soon to be finalised with the Australian Capital Territory, will support 150
returning Australians every 16-18 days. In addition, a limited and dedicated number of spaces will be
provided on existing international commercial services for vulnerable Australians where possible. This
includes an additional:
• 140 arrivals per week into Perth;
• 100 arrivals every 14-16 days into Adelaide;
• 150 arrivals per week into Queensland(to be finalised once a new Government is formally
sworn in).
Roadmap Out: Headline Measures Fact Sheet | as at 26 November 2020 P a g e | 11Tasmania has also offered further support where required.
The Commonwealth thanks the states and territories for their support in helping more Australians
return home for Christmas.
Mental Health National Cabinet Reform Committee
National Cabinet noted 3,318 Australians died by suicide in 2019, equivalent to nine Australians each
and every day. This represents a significant loss to our communities, our families and our nation.
Today, National Cabinet commissioned the new Mental Health National Cabinet Reform Committee.
The Committee will:
• deliver a new National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement by November 2021;
and
• oversee, and provide advice to National Cabinet on, the implementation of the National Mental
Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan which guides jurisdictions’ responses to
COVID- 19.
•
This work builds on all jurisdictions’ efforts to scale resources and investment to support Australians’
mental health and prevent suicide during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Aged Care Emergency Response Centres
National Cabinet again noted the critical importance of minimising the COVID-19 pandemic risk in
aged care, cementing preparedness arrangements based on the three previously agreed actions of
21 August.
The Department of Health continues weekly engagement with the Aged Care Quality and Safety
Commission and states and territories. Weekly jurisdictional reporting is now established.
All jurisdictions have provided assurances that their Aged Care Emergency Response Centres can
be stood up within 48 hours. Jurisdictions have completed the Response Centre Preparedness
Assessment which has provided additional clarity about where further focus is needed.
National Cabinet expressed its thanks to the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre which has
supplied to all jurisdictions—through the Department of Health—with its extensive suite of resources
for use or adaption as required.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission continues its program of infection control site visits to
residential aged care facilities in all jurisdictions to monitor and assess aged care preparedness. The
Commission is distributing summary reports of its spot check visits to each jurisdiction to enable
targeted focus on areas for improvement.
States and territories are supporting the Commission’s preparedness visits through sharing of public
health intelligence, conducting supplementary visits to residential aged care facilities and prioritising
face to face infection prevention and control training. Across jurisdictions a range of training models
are in place. States and territories continue to consider how best to tailor this training to their
jurisdictional requirements.
National Federation Reform Council
National Cabinet agreed to establish a Taskforce on Veterans’ Wellbeing in recognition of the
challenges faced by our current and ex-service personnel. The Taskforce will meet at the first meeting
of the National Federation Reform Council on 11 December.
On 26 June 2020, National Cabinet agreed that Mr Peter Conran AM would conduct a review of the
Roadmap Out: Headline Measures Fact Sheet | as at 26 November 2020 P a g e | 12former COAG Councils and Ministerial Forums with a view to rationalising and resetting the structure
and work programs.
Today, National Cabinet accepted the Review's recommendations that include reducing the number
of ministerial forums and ensuring that those that remain are more agile and responsive, with direct
responsibility for decision-making resting with Ministers. Consistent with the direction set by National
Cabinet, ministers’ meetings will not report to National Cabinet (or the National Federation Reform
Council) unless tasked.
This represents a significant reform to Commonwealth-State relations and will significantly reduce
bureaucracy and red tape. National Cabinet also noted that the range of significant reforms agreed
today have come about directly through the collaboration of National Cabinet, as the country comes
together to continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Further information is available here: https://www.pmc.gov.au/domestic-
policy/effectivecommonwealth-state-relations
16 October – National Cabinet postponed.
18 September – National Cabinet welcomed the Commonwealth’s $2 billion extension of the COVID-
19 Health Measures package to support Medicare-subsidised telehealth and pathology services, GP-
led respiratory clinics, home medicines delivery, public and private hospital services, as well as further
investments in PPE. To date, over 30 million telehealth consultations have been delivered, with mental
health telehealth consultations a priority. Telehealth services will be extended to 31 March 2021.
National Cabinet will meet again on Friday 16 October 2020.
ADF Support
National Cabinet welcomed an update from Lieutenant General John Frewen DSC AM, Head of the
Defence COVID-19 Taskforce, on the contribution of the Department of Defence and the Australian
Defence Force to the national pandemic response, particularly relating to Defence’s support to the
states and territories.
As at 17 September 2020, there were 3,241 Defence personnel directly supporting Operation COVID
ASSIST and contributing to the Commonwealth’s whole-of-government efforts. This included 1,306
personnel in Victoria, 736 personnel in New South Wales, 586 personnel in Queensland, 163
personnel in Western Australia, 152 personnel in South Australia and 128 personnel in the Northern
Territory.
Australians returning home
National Cabinet noted that there are a significant number of Australians wishing to return home from
overseas, with the Commonwealth having taken steps recently to provide further support for those
facing personal hardship.
National Cabinet agreed that all jurisdictions would continue to work towards enabling more
Australians to return home by increasing the current caps on international passenger arrivals.
• New South Wales and South Australia will continue to implement existing plans to
accommodate more returning Australians by increasing their current international passenger
arrival caps by Monday 28 September 2020 by 500 and 100 respectively.
Roadmap Out: Headline Measures Fact Sheet | as at 26 November 2020 P a g e | 13• Queensland and Western Australia will adopt a two-stage increase in their international
passenger arrival caps over the next three weeks that will see an additional 500 Australians
returning through each jurisdiction each week.
• Queensland will commence with an additional 200 passengers from Monday 28 September
2020, increasing to 500 passengers from Monday 5 October 2020.
• Western Australia will commence with an additional 200 passengers from Monday 28
September, increasing to 500 passengers from Monday 12 October 2020.
National Cabinet also agreed that any facilitation of special commercial services would be carried out
through the jurisdictions of South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and Australian Capital
Territory.
Contact tracing by domestic airlines
National Cabinet noted that domestic airlines will progressively implement four mandatory contact
tracing data fields (name, email address, mobile phone number and state of residence) from 1
October 2020 on a mandatory basis during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This will be implemented by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and
Communications in-conjunction with domestic airlines.
Coordinating contact tracing efforts and quarantine arrangements
National Cabinet welcomed the review by Dr Alan Finkel AO and Commodore Mark Hill CSC on the
lessons learned from the visit to Health NSW by Commonwealth and Victorian officials.
National Cabinet agreed to a review of systems and operations in all jurisdictions to strengthen
capacity and capability to effectively track, trace and isolate COVID-19. Further, National Cabinet
agreed to commission a report by Dr Finkel to enable jurisdictions to exchange case and outbreak
management data to enhance the management of outbreaks nationally.
National Cabinet received an update from Jane Halton AO PSM on the review of state and territory
hotel quarantine systems. Australia’s hotel quarantine system has performed well across most
jurisdictions and Jane Halton’s work will provide useful guidance on improvements for state and
territory governments.
Agriculture Workers Code
National Cabinet noted progress with implementation of the Agriculture Workers Code, which is on
track to be implemented by Victoria, NSW, ACT and the Northern Territory by at least 25 September
2020 as provided for in the Code.
Rural and Regional National Cabinet Reform Committee
National Cabinet commissioned the new Rural and Regional National Cabinet Reform Committee. As
a first tranche, the Committee will focus on developing a shared understanding of the quantum, status
and impact of existing investments by governments in rural and regional communities and, by the end
of 2020 provide advice to National Cabinet on options to improve the delivery of existing investments
to support Australia’s COVID-19 economic recovery through strong and sustainable rural and regional
communities.
Aged Care
National Cabinet noted progress on joint actions underway to meet the commitments it made on 21
August 2020 to boost aged care preparedness at the provider, local, state and national level.
Roadmap Out: Headline Measures Fact Sheet | as at 26 November 2020 P a g e | 14National Cabinet noted that while all states and territories are considered to have good existing emergency response capabilities and are on track with establishing and/or scaling up virtual or physical Response Centres, further practical actions will be undertaken to ensure a high level of preparedness. The Commonwealth will continue to work with the states and territories, including through the development of resources, to support the operation of response centres. On 7 September 2020, AHPPC endorsed advice from its Aged Care Advisory Group that each state and territory should establish emergency response centres. Within each jurisdictions’ public health response structure, a dedicated aged care emergency response team has been established and key personnel identified at the state and Commonwealth level. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is completing an infection control site visit program as part of its COVID-19 regulatory activity. As at 11 September 2020, the Commission has undertaken 673 visits relating to infection control out of a total 2,720 Residential aged care Facilities (RACF) (25 per cent). These visits are sequenced based on a risk assessment such that those visits represent those considered to be highest risk facilities. In total nationally, 2,446 visits to RACFs have been undertaken by the Commission, the Australian Defence Force, AUSMAT and state and territory governments. Income tax exemption for small and medium business grants The Commonwealth and Victoria have reached an agreement to make the grants to small and medium business recently announced under Victoria’s Business Resilience Package exempt from income tax. This recognises the exceptional circumstances Victorian businesses face. The Commonwealth will extend this arrangement to all States and Territories on an application basis. Eligibility would be restricted to future grants program announcements for small and medium businesses facing similar circumstances to Victorian businesses. Any tax exemption would be time limited for grants paid until 30 June 2021. AHPPC Advice on Boarding School Students National Cabinet agreed to a new AHPPC Statement on Boarding Students and Students Living in Border Zones, which supports all jurisdictions adopting appropriate risk-based approaches (such as the Queensland approach) to ensure boarding students can cross borders and safely return home to their families during school holidays. The PM’s Transcript also noted the following: NZ travelers & quarantine Working to ensure that New Zealanders can come to Australia, and Australians can return to Australia from New Zealand without the need to go through quarantine if they're not coming from an area where there is an outbreak of COVID- 19. If we can get to the situation soon where those coming home from New Zealand are able to enter Australia without going into a 14-day quarantine in a hotel, or in the worst-case scenario, only having to do that in their home, then that frees up places in our hotel quarantine system. 4 September – The National Cabinet met today to discuss Australia’s COVID-19 response, the Victorian outbreak, easing restrictions, helping Australians prepare to go back to work in a COVID- safe environment, border restrictions and getting the economy moving again. Roadmap Out: Headline Measures Fact Sheet | as at 26 November 2020 P a g e | 15
National Cabinet noted the release of the June quarter National Accounts highlighted the devastating
impact on the Australian economy of the COVID-19 global recession. While efforts by the
Commonwealth and state and territory governments have helped to cushion the blow, many
challenges remain on the road to recovery.
National Cabinet will meet again on 18 September 2020.
Roadmap for Recovery
National Cabinet agreed on the need to work together cooperatively for the benefit of all Australians
and as a Federation of the Commonwealth, states and territories. We need to continue to protect
people's health but we also need to find the road back from the economic crisis that COVID-19 has
generated.
The Commonwealth, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the
Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory agreed in-principle to develop a new plan for
Australia to reopen by Christmas, including the use of the hotspot concept for travel between
jurisdictions. This plan will build on the three-step plan released in May 2020, with work continuing
through the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and the National Coordination
Mechanism. Further components of the plan will be submitted for review at the next meeting.
National Cabinet noted the COVID-19 hotspots definition, proposed by the Commonwealth Acting
Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, and based on analysis of locally acquired cases in
Australia in recent months. The paper presented to National Cabinet, provides quantitative and
qualitative metrics to determine COVID-19 hotspots for the purpose of the provision of Commonwealth
support. Decisions would be based on a threshold of:
• The Commonwealth trigger for consideration of a COVID-19 hotspot in a metropolitan area is the
rolling 3 day average (average over 3 days) is 10 locally acquired cases per day. This equates
to over 30 cases in 3 consecutive days.
• The Commonwealth trigger for consideration of a COVID-19 hotspot in a rural or regional area is
the rolling 3 day average (average over 3 days) is 3 locally acquired cases per day. This equates
to 9 cases over 3 consecutive days.
Once the trigger has been activated, further analyses would be performed by the Commonwealth to
assist a discussion between the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer and the state/territory Chief
Health Officer.
The Commonwealth will work with seven states and territories to refine the definition of COVID-19
hotspots. Officials have been asked to continue the development of the final definition and protocols
for its application.
In addition, bilateral and multilateral arrangements between the Commonwealth, states and territories
will continue to be developed to better support border arrangements between states and territories as
part of the revised plan. National Cabinet noted that Western Australia has specific circumstances
which mean that it will not subscribe to the reopening plan and timetable, but it will continue to
participate in discussions on its development.
The Commonwealth hotspots definition would also be used as a starting point for any future
COVIDSafe travel arrangements encompassing New Zealand and those states and territories
applying the hotspots definition.
Roadmap Out: Headline Measures Fact Sheet | as at 26 November 2020 P a g e | 16Agriculture Workers’ Code
NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory and the ACT agreed to adopt the National
Agricultural Workers’ Code. Victoria, South Australia and NSW will begin immediately to work together
to put the code in place. Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania will consider the Code as part
of their border restriction arrangements.
The Code delivers consistent approaches to facilitate the movement of critical agricultural industry
workers across domestic borders where border restrictions are in place. The Code is important in
mitigating animal health, welfare and biosecurity risks.
The Code is a risk-based approach. Permits or an equivalent approval, with appropriate conditions,
will be applied to reduce the risk of COVID-19 being transmitted to regional areas.
Regular update on international arrivals and cap
National Cabinet conducted its fortnightly review of international air arrival passenger caps and agreed
to boost the capacity for international arrivals where possible, supporting more Australians to come
home from overseas. National Cabinet noted that NSW has been undertaking much of the heavy
lifting in terms of quarantine of international arrivals.
All states and territories, where possible, agreed to work with the Commonwealth to increase the
number of international flights to their jurisdiction to enable more Australians to return home.
National Cabinet agreed the Commonwealth will work with airlines to identify opportunities to boost
arrivals into cities with available quarantine capacity.
Energy National Cabinet Reform Committee
Leaders agreed to the tasking for the Energy National Cabinet Reform Committee. The Committee
will progress critical reform of the energy system as a key component of Australia’s economic
recovery. It will work to ensure an affordable and reliable energy system to support job creation and
economic growth for the long-term benefit of customers.
The Committee’s work program will focus on developing:
• Immediate measures to ensure reliability and security of the electricity grid ahead of the 2020-21
summer;
• The redesign, by mid-2021, of the National Electricity Market to take effect after 2025; and
• A package of reforms, by July 2021, to unlock new gas supply, improve competition in the market
and better regulate pipelines.
These reforms will ensure the market serves consumers by promoting efficient investment, operation
and use of energy services, and by delivering secure and reliable energy at least-cost.
Council on Federal Financial Relations
National Cabinet noted that the Council on Federal Financial Relations (CFFR) has reduced 82
existing National Partnerships and Project Agreements into five new sector Federation Funding
Agreements, covering Health, Education and Skills, Environment, Infrastructure, and Affordable
Housing Community Services and Other. National Cabinet thanked CFFR for its work and noted
further work is underway to safeguard the proliferation of future small agreements and reporting
burdens.
Briefing on high risk weather season
Roadmap Out: Headline Measures Fact Sheet | as at 26 November 2020 P a g e | 17National Cabinet was briefed by the Bureau of Meteorology on the national outlook for the high risk
weather season (Spring-Summer 2020-21), in particular the likelihood of La Niña and what that means
for the risk of natural disasters occurring.
National Cabinet agreed that Emergency Management Australia would convene Commonwealth,
state and territory authorities to ensure a seamless arrangement for the movement of emergency
personnel between states and territories in a COVIDSafe and timely manner.
Mental Health and social supports
National Cabinet noted the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and
committed to provide increased support as needed.
21 August – National Cabinet recommitted to providing as much support as necessary to Victoria
during this very difficult time. The National Cabinet noted the advice from Professor Kelly that the
epidemiological situation in Victoria had improved and the numbers of cases in Victoria has reduced
from its peak.
National Cabinet again agreed the need to continue to have the right controls in place to test more
people, trace those who test positive and contain local outbreaks when they occur. These are
fundamental to reducing the spread of the virus.
Seven of Australia’s eight states and territories are successfully implementing the suppression
strategy for COVID-19, with the goal of no community transmission, enabling Australians in those
jurisdictions to live and work in a COVID-safe economy.
National Cabinet agreed to release a weekly set of data on the common operating picture of COVID-
19 responses across states and territories.
National Cabinet discussed the updated economic outlook following the additional restrictions
imposed in Victoria and the changes to the JobKeeper program announced in response to these
restrictions.
The Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Philip Lowe, and the Treasury Secretary, Steven
Kennedy, provided National Cabinet with an economic update. Both reiterated that the biggest
economic challenge that faces Australia is jobs and unemployment.
The Governor outlined there is a need for a coordinated focus from all levels of government on three
key areas:
1. Income support programs which includes the substantial investments already made in
JobKeeper and JobSeeker;
2. Investments in our physical capital including infrastructure and human capital via skills and
training; and
3. Greater ease of doing business through lower and efficient taxes and less regulation.
Combined with the health response, the Commonwealth economic and balance sheet measures now
total more than $314 billion, and along with the response from the state and territories of $48 billion,
significant economic support is flowing into the economy.
Given the economic challenges, the Governor called on state and territory governments to provide
more fiscal support, with additional support of 2 per cent of GDP, or around $40 billion over two years,
needed from states and territories to support economic growth. Mr Lowe outlined that this expenditure
needs to be purposeful and achieve the maximum economic dividend, and not lead to permanent or
structural increases in government expenditure.
Roadmap Out: Headline Measures Fact Sheet | as at 26 November 2020 P a g e | 18National Cabinet also noted progress made on skills reform and that all states and territories have
now signed the Heads of Agreement for the $1 billion Skills and JobTrainer Programme.
Aged Care Emergency Response Plan
National Cabinet endorsed the Commonwealth, State and Territory Plan to Boost Aged Care
Preparedness for a Rapid Emergency Response to COVID-19 Plan.
Noting that there were existing protocols and arrangements between states and the Commonwealth
that were effective and worked well in support of aged care preparedness, National Cabinet agreed
that in the event of significant change in circumstances, particularly with respect to community
transmission of COVID-19, either the relevant jurisdiction or the Commonwealth would be able to
initiate the establishment of emergency response centres on a bilaterally agreed basis.
The Plan will strengthen the preparedness for responding to a rapid escalation of COVID-19 in the
aged care sector. It includes a high-level series of actions for Commonwealth, state and territory
Governments to strengthen aged care emergency response preparedness. These actions include:
o Ongoing assessment of the preparedness of aged care providers to respond to outbreaks of
COVID-19, including a risk profiling tool developed by the Aged Care Quality and Safety
Commission to inform emergency response planning;
o An audit of State and Territory Emergency Response Capabilities to support the
establishment of a joint aged care emergency response;
o Additional face to face infection control training.
The National Cabinet also endorsed a guide to assist in the establishment of an Aged Care Health
Emergency Response Operations Centre should it be required in the future in other states and
territories. These Operations Centres will supplement and boost capacity to respond to outbreaks of
COVID-19 in residential aged care settings. They will be consistent and complementary to, and fully
integrated with Commonwealth and state/territory public health and aged care emergency response
arrangements. National Cabinet acknowledged that these arrangements are not currently required.
A time-limited AHPPC Aged Care Advisory Group will be established to support the national public
health emergency response to COVID-19 in aged care. The Advisory Group will bring together
expertise about the aged care sector, infection control, emergency preparedness and public health
response.
The Commonwealth Government will provide $171 million in additional support to the Aged Care
Sector to increase national preparedness and respond to the State of Disaster in Victoria which brings
the Commonwealth’s Aged Care COVID-19 response to over $1 billion in support.
Support includes:
o Victorian Aged Care Response Centre - $9.1 million to support a coordinated response between
the Commonwealth and Victorian Government agencies to fight COVID-19 in Residential Aged
Care.
o Aged Care COVID-19 Preparedness - an additional $103.4 million to:
o increase nation-wide workforce surge support for aged care providers experiencing a
o COVID-19 outbreak;
o activate national emergency call centre surge capability to support communication
o efforts with residents’ families;
o fund compressed training for new workers;
o cover quarantine costs for interstate staff deployed for workforce surge; and
o strengthen the capacity to support aged care residents and their families with the grief
Roadmap Out: Headline Measures Fact Sheet | as at 26 November 2020 P a g e | 19o and trauma associated with a COVID-19 outbreak.
o Supporting Aged Care Quality and Safety Monitoring for Aged Care Services - an additional $9
million to ensure quality care is maintained by supporting the Aged Care Quality and Safety
Commission to continue its critical work supporting aged care providers across the country to
prepare for and respond to COVID-19 outbreaks
o Aged Care Workforce - a further $50.6 million to be provided to extend funding for the second
instalment of the aged care workforce retention payment, due to be paid in September 2020.
Mental Health
National Cabinet discussed the impact of the pandemic on key wellbeing and safety outcomes,
including mental health, online safety and family and domestic violence, and noted the increase in
contact with crisis helplines. National Cabinet agreed to continue to work together to monitor these
areas and continue to track areas of concern and to share data.
Vaccine Strategy
National Cabinet welcomed the Commonwealth Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatment
Strategic Approach and the in principle agreement in place between the Commonwealth and
AstraZeneca for the supply of the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine for Australians, once safety and efficacy
had been proven.
Further the Prime Minister updated National Cabinet on the advanced progress of further
arrangements for research and development, vaccine supply and manufacturing including the
Commonwealth and Queensland Government funded University of Queensland - CSL, molecular
clamp vaccine.
Domestic Border Management
National Cabinet noted some recent changes by states and territories to make it easier for Australians
to cross borders, subject to restrictions, and access essential services and activities.
National Cabinet noted discussions had commenced on an Agriculture Workers Code and agreed
further work be undertaken by Agriculture Ministers so that a paper could be considered by National
Cabinet at its next meeting. The Agriculture Workers Code, will provide for a nationally-consistent
approach that would be enforced by relevant states and territories through their Public Health Orders
and emergency management measures. It would apply to individuals with occupations deemed critical
to ensure the continuity of the agricultural sector.
National Cabinet also agreed that the AHPPC develop a common understanding to define a hotspot
and consider movement restrictions relating to a hotspot.
Pacific Labour Scheme and Seasonal Workers
National Cabinet agreed to resume the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) and Pacific Labour
Scheme (PLS) to help with workforce shortages. The approach has been informed by the trial
recruitment of Pacific workers in the Northern Territory to address labour shortages affecting mango
farmers. States and territories will decide whether to access the arrangement.
Employing Australians remains a priority for all Governments. Employers can only recruit through the
Pacific labour mobility programs if they can demonstrate they cannot find suitable Australian workers
through labour market testing.
Roadmap Out: Headline Measures Fact Sheet | as at 26 November 2020 P a g e | 20Protecting Australian and Pacific workers from COVID-19 is also a key priority. States and territories
that would like to participate in the arrangement will ensure sufficient health and quarantine system
capacity.
National Cabinet will meet again on 4 September 2020.
7 August – National Cabinet also discussed the Victorian outbreak, the health response underway
and recommitted to providing as much support as necessary to Victoria during this very difficult time.
The National Cabinet noted that there had been a relaxation in community attitudes towards social
distancing in some states and territories.
Despite the success in suppressing the virus, the Victorian outbreak has shown that social distancing
rules must be maintained at least until a vaccine or effective treatment is found. The reduction in
adherence to social distancing amongst younger Australians is a particular concern, and recognised
by the AHPPC.
Further, we need to continue to have the right controls in place to test more people, trace those who
test positive and respond to local outbreaks when they occur.
National Cabinet discussed the updated economic outlook following the additional restrictions
imposed in Victoria and the changes to the JobKeeper program announced in response to these
restrictions.
National Cabinet acknowledged the economic deterioration and that the national unemployment rate
is now expected to peak at closer to 10 per cent in the December quarter of 2020. National Cabinet
welcomed the additional $15.6 billion provided for the JobKeeper program with the changes to the
employee reference date and turnover reference period benefiting nation-wide, particularly in Victoria
where the economic deterioration will see more firms and employees relying on JobKeeper. Combined
with the health response, the Commonwealth economic and balance sheet measures now total more
than $314 billion and along with the response from the state and territories of $45 billion, significant
economic support is flowing into the economy.
National Cabinet will meet again on 21 August 2020.
Aged Care
National Cabinet acknowledged the aged care workforce and the tremendous work that they are doing
during the crisis to support older Australians.
National Cabinet agreed to a paper on Aged Care Preparedness: Lessons from Victorian Response
toCOVID-19, and committed to further actions and an audit of state and territory aged care emergency
response capabilities.
Over the next two weeks joint Commonwealth-State plans will be developed that include four
elements:
• activities such as face to face infection control training with aged care facilities even where
there are no cases of COVID-19;
• compulsory use of face masks, workforce controls and the use of private hospital resources
that will be actioned in locations where there are active cases of COVID-19; and
• preparing for the establishment of Coordination centres (similar to the Victorian Aged Care
Response Centre) including identifying key staff who will be deployed; and
• the audit of state and territory aged care emergency response capabilities.
Quarantine Arrangements
Roadmap Out: Headline Measures Fact Sheet | as at 26 November 2020 P a g e | 21You can also read
