COVID-19 Update 6
Fuel Security
The Morrison Government is boosting the nation’s long-term fuel security by taking advantage of dramatic falls in global oil prices and building on our historic agreement with the United States to access their Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Australia will invest $94 million to purchase oil at current low prices. The new measures will establish the first Government-owned oil reserves for domestic fuel security.
Global pressure on gas and oil prices provides us with an opportunity for strategic economic stimulus in Australia to aid the recovery. Australians can be assured there is plenty of fuel in the country and we are extremely well placed to keep supplies flowing through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elective surgery restrictions eased
The Australian Government in partnership with states and territories, peak surgical bodies, the AMA and the private hospital sector will be increasing the availability of elective surgery in a safe and carefully considered way which ensures the wellbeing of both patients and healthcare workers. The first phase of the reintroduction will occur on 27 April and includes IVF, screening programs and joint replacements.
3000 more ventilators delivered to COVID-19 stockpile
More than 3000 ventilators have been delivered to the Federal Government from Australian manufacturing company ResMed, located in our electorate of Mitchell. The Government has been working hard to secure supply and increase the domestic manufacture of ventilators as we respond to the COVID-19 crisis.
$150 million NBN assistance for families and businesses
The Morrison Government has announced that NBN Co will provide $150 million in financial relief to internet providers so they can assist Australian families and businesses in accessing the NBN during COVID-19.
Higher Education Relief Package
Australians can use their time social distancing to develop skills for new jobs in National Priority areas such as nursing, teaching, health, IT and science. The cost to study short, online courses from our world-class universities and private providers will be slashed to help Australians retrain. More information about courses offered by universities is available at www.courseseeker.edu.au or you can contact higher education providers directly.
Vocational Education and Training goes online
The My Skills website will provide online training for Australians looking to upskill during the COVID-19 pandemic. Australians will now be able to search the increased online offerings of registered training organisations (RTOs) and vocational education and training (VET) options currently available to continue to train for the future.
Expanded support for mature aged job seekers
Mature aged workers can now access funded training more easily and quickly to help find work under changes to the Career Transition Assistance (CTA) program. The CTA program assists mature job seekers aged 45 and over with training and support to improve their digital literacy, job opportunities and identifying transferrable skills.
Further child care relief to support families and services
Child care services can now apply for an exceptional circumstances Supplementary Relief Payment under the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package. A new toll-free hotline has also been set up to assist families in locating available early childhood services in their area during the COVID-19 pandemic. The helpline number is 1800 291 041.