CoAct Job Seeker Newsroom

A place to keep updated on the unfolding changes to Australian job seekers during the COVID-19 situation.

Highlights

  • 6/04 – Introducing Jobs Hub Link
  • 6/04 – Jobs that are hiring during COVID-19. Link
  • 1/04 – Looking after your mental health during COVID-19 lockdown. Link
  • 30/02 – Morrison Government announces $130 billion wage subsidy scheme Link
  • 30/03 – $1.1 billion Medicare, mental health, domestic violence package on its way in response to coronavirus crisis. Link
  • 27/03 – Are you a job seeker isolated at home? Learn more about the Major Personal Crisis exemption. Link
  • 27/03 – A quick guide to Australian coronavirus supplement payments. Link
  • 26/03 – Check your eligibility for Jobseeker payments. Link
  • 23/03 – The government has temporarily doubled unemployment payments amid COVID-19 outbreak. Link
  • 20/03 – Coronavirus (COVID-19) update from CoAct

 

April 6th

Introducing the new Government initiative: Jobs Hub 

Statement from Michaelia Cash: Minister for Employment:

he Morrison Government has today launched a new Jobs Hub website which is a one-stop-shop for all the Australian jobs listed online. 

While many jobs have been adversely affected by COVID-19, there are some areas of the economy which have an increased demand for workers.

This includes jobs in health and care sectors, transport and logistics, some areas of retail, mining and mining services, manufacturing, agriculture and government sectors, among others.

In this rapidly changing jobs market, we are committed to supporting businesses and those Australians looking for wor

Go to Jobs Hub

 

April 6th

Jobs that are hiring during COVID-19

Source: CoAct Employment 

Despite COVID-19 leaving hundreds of thousands of Australians without stable work, there is hope for the unemployed as thousands of new jobs have been created as a result of new government policies and rising demands from workers and customers stuck at home. Here we’ve compiled a list of industries that are hiring right now.

Read the blog post here

 

April 1st 

Looking after your mental health during COVID-19 lockdown

Source: CoAct Employment 

As we enter stage three of the federal government’s lockdown more and more Australians are feeling the effects of self-isolation. In these stressful and anxious times, it is important that we learn to manage our mental health.

Read the blog post here

 

March 30th  

Scott Morrison reveals $130 billion wage subsidy scheme

Source: Sydney Morning Herald 

The Government has introduced a new $130 billion JobKeeper Scheme, so what does this mean for you?

  • Businesses will receive $1,500 a fortnight for each worker they keep employed for the next six months.
  • Up to six million workers will receive these fortnightly payments.
  • Wage subsidy includes, part-time and casual workers with at least one year in their job, not-for-profits, sole traders, self-employed people, partnerships and trusts and New Zealanders who work in Australia but are unable to access welfare programs.
  • Backdating introduced to include anyone who has been stood down due to coronavirus.
  • People cannot receive both JobSeeker and JobKeeper payments.

If you’re a business in need of help and want to know if you qualify for these payments simply register your interest here.

Read the whole article here

 

March 30th  

$1.1 billion Medicare, mental health, domestic violence package on its way in response to coronavirus crisis

Source: ABC News

A $1.1 billion funding boost has been announced which will largely go towards Medicare subsidies – meaning Australians may not have to pay out-of pocket costs for phone or video consults with health professionals.

This new subsidy includes psychology and psychiatrist sessions conducted over both telephone and video consultation services, like Facetime and WhatsApp.

The new package will also be funnelled into mental health services, as well as counselling tools for families caught up in or at-risk of domestic violence.

The National Cabinet will meet again on Sunday.

If you or anyone you know needs help:

Read the full article here

 

March 30th  

Coronavirus creating thousands of new jobs as companies re-purpose for ‘corona-conomy’

Source: ABC News 

While hundreds of thousands of jobs are being lost across Australia, there are some being created as the economy re-purposes due to coronavirus.

For example, Telstra and Optus are moving their call centres domestically – creating 1,500 jobs in Australia.

In addition, state and federal governments are looking to employ more than 6,000 people to help process extra welfare applications and payments.

BHP is also looking to hire 1,500 people at its mining operations.

Find out more here

 

March 27th

Opportunities arise inside Australia’s only medical mask manufacturing company.

Source: ABC News

Before the coronavirus outbreak the small business supplied 5 per cent of the Australian market with masks from its factory in Shepparton in Victoria.

“Our staffing is approximately 17 people but with what’s happened now it’s been total upheaval,” CEO Steve Csiszar said.

Their hiring people by the day, machines are running 24/7 and they’ve never seen so much activity in Shepparton.

Find out more here 

 

March 27th  

Are you a job seeker isolated at home due to COVID-19?

Source: Services Australia

The Government will  grant you a Major Personal Crisis exemption for 14 days.

During your exemption period you won’t need to:

  • attend appointments
  • look for work
  • do any of the activities in your Job Plan.

Read more and get in contact here

 

March 27th  

Coronavirus supplement: your guide to the Australian payments that will go to the extra million on welfare

Source: The Conversation

Source: The Conversation

Read the article here.

 

March 27th  

Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak

Source: Beyond Blue 

Beyond Blue has released some excellent resources on maintaining your mental health during this difficult time. Tips include

  •  Manage the amount of media you consume
  • Access only good quality information from reliable sources
  • Tips on maintaining a healthy mind during self-isolation and quarantine
  • Support for those experiencing financial hardship

Read the article here.

 

March 26th 

Coronavirus: Am I eligible for Centrelinks Jobseeker payment and does my partner’s income affect it?

Source: ABC News

The Jobseeker and Youth Allowance payments are tapered, meaning if you earn $0 for the fortnight you’ll get the full welfare payment, but if you still have some income (but remain below the income threshold) you will receive a portion of the payment. 

But even if you’re only eligible for a tiny Jobseeker or Youth Allowance payment. You will receive the full $550 a fortnight Coronavirus supplement. It is an additional top-up payment for people on welfare, which effectively doubles the full Jobseeker (formerly known as Newstart) allowance. 

The Government  announced people receiving the following payments would automatically get the supplement:

  • JobSeeker Payment
  • Youth Allowance for job seekers
  • Parenting Payment
  • Farm Household Allowance
  • Special Benefit
  • Youth Allowance for students
  • Austudy for students
  • ABSTUDY for students

Read the article here.

 

March 26th

If you’ve been affected by the latest coronavirus outbreak and are in need of support from Centrelink, here’s how to apply for Jobseeker Payments.

Source: ABC News

If you’ve lost your job, been stood down or suddenly find your business without customers due to the coronavirus pandemic, you might be tackling Centrelink for the time or the first time in a long time.

So the first thing to know is the process probably won’t be easy and it will likely get frustrating. And there may be some kinks and hiccups (or major malfunctions) in the system along the way.

But here’s some guidance that may help reduce the stress a little bit.

Read the article here.

 

March 25th

Job opportunities call as Australian businesses redeploy coronavirus layoffs.

Source: The Guardian

Some industries are hiring large numbers of workers to meet unprecedented demands. The managing director of Seek in Australia, Kendra Banks, said the jobs website was seeing increasing demand for nurses, aged care workers, counsellors and social workers.

“We’re also seeing a rise in the need for nannies and tutors, as parents and carers who now need to work from home look for additional support in the home with care and education,” Banks said. “We know that businesses are talking to one another. Where they have to lay off workers they are identifying skills that can transition into companies that have in-demand roles to keep people employed.” 

Read the article here

 

March 25th 

ReachOut, Australia’s leading online youth mental health service, is providing free support to young Australians during the COVID-19 outbreak to help them stay well when it comes to their mental health.

Source: MediaNet

Available 24/7 online, ReachOut’s new dedicated resources give young people practical tips about looking after their wellbeing during these unprecedented times.

In addition, ReachOut’s online youth forums continue to offer peer support in safe and established online communities. Young people are currently using this online space to connect and share stories about how they are feeling, share tips for staying well and support those struggling with their mental health during these unsettling times.  

Read the article here

 

March 23rd

The Morrison government’s decision to temporarily double the JobSeeker Payment – formerly known as Newstart – has been welcomed by welfare advocates, who say the boost needs to be made permanent.

Source: Pro Bono Australia

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday announced a $550 fortnightly increase to unemployment payments for six months, taking the maximum base rate to $1115.70.

This coronavirus supplement will be paid to both new and existing recipients of the JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance Jobseeker, Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit.

Read the article here

 

March 23rd 

Social distancing and isolation can take a toll on your mental health, here’s how some people are coping.

Widespread media reporting of the coronavirus pandemic, changing daily circumstances and uncertainty about the future can give rise to heightened individual and community anxiety, says John Allan, president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. 

AS part of the Federal Government $2.4 billion COVID-19 health package, people whoa re in mandatory quarantine and certain vulnerable groups will still be able to access mental health services, without exposing others. 

Read the article here