Update for Communities
Dear Community Representative,
Thank you for your ongoing support to your community members, particularly during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We hope you find this information useful.
Humanitarian Program Consultations – open until 28 May
A discussion paper on the 2021-22 Humanitarian Program has been published on the Department of Home Affairs website. It provides an overview of Australia’s Humanitarian Program and seeks the views of the Australian public on the management and composition of the Humanitarian Program in 2021–22. If you would like to make a written submission, please send an email to humanitarian.policy@homeaffairs.gov.au.Submissions close at 5pm on 28 May 2021.
Travel restrictions and exemptions
Australia’s borders are currently closed and entry to Australia remains strictly controlled to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Travel to Australia is only available if you are exempt or you have been granted an individual exemption.
Travel restrictions are subject to change in response to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19. You can stay informed with the latest updates by checking the following website regularly: Travel restrictions | COVID-19 and the border (homeaffairs.gov.au).
This information is available in 18 languages.
Department of Health: COVID-19 Vaccines Update
The Department of Health has released the following updates regarding the COVID-19 Vaccines:
· COVID-19 vaccine rollout: This video shows the rollout in action at a local General Practice Respiratory Clinic. Thank you for doing your part to support the rollout and your patience so our most vulnerable communities can be protected first.
· The Australian Government has secured 25 million doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to further diversify Australia’s vaccine portfolio as well as provide access to a booster or variant vaccine should this be required in the future.
A reminder that information about COVID-19 vaccines in 63 languages can be found via the following link: COVID-19 vaccine information in your language | Australian Government Department of Health.
Students: Additional flexibility for student visa holders to work in the tourism and hospitality sectors
The government has agreed to relax work conditions for international students working in the tourism and hospitality sector. You can now work more than 40 hours a fortnight if you are employed:
· by an aged care Approved Provider
· by a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme provider
· enrolled in a health care related course and you are supporting the health effort against COVID-19
· in the agricultural sector
· in the tourism and hospitality sector
For more detailed information see Temporary relaxation of working hours for student visa holders (homeaffairs.gov.au)
In addition, if you work in or intend to work in tourism and hospitality you can now apply for the COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa up to 90 days before your existing temporary visa expires and then remain in Australia for up to 12 additional months.
Over 20,000 Pandemic Event visas have been granted since it was established.
Services Australia: Proof of your COVID-19 vaccination
Services Australia has released a factsheet that provides information about how to get proof of your COVID-19 vaccination.
This factsheet is available in 55 languages.
Contact us
Your feedback is vital to the Department and informs policy, decision making and government messaging. We welcome engagement and encourage you to contact us by email with questions or feedback about community concerns, government messaging, community misconceptions or racism and discrimination.
Feel free to share this email with others, but in the interests of ensuring the information remains accurate, please do not make any alterations to the content.
Yours sincerely,
Community Engagement Team Victoria / Tasmania
Department of Home Affairs
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