Some business operations are restricted under state or territory government public health directions. If you want to know what restrictions on business operations apply to your workplace, go to your state or territory government website.
You can also go to our Public health directions and COVIDSafe plans page for links to enforceable government directions.
Businesses must only operate to the extent permissible in each state and territory. The information provided below outlines measures which cover all aspects of services offered by the industry – depending on what is permissible in your jurisdiction, some sections may not be currently relevant to your business. You should check any relevant advice from your state or territory regarding working from home in response to COVID-19.
Safe Work Australia does not regulate or enforce WHS laws or COVID-19 restrictions on business operations. If you want to know how WHS laws apply to you or need help with what to do at your workplace, contact the WHS regulator in your jurisdiction.
Australia.gov.au has the latest information from the Australian Government.
Download the Australian Government Coronavirus app (Apple App Store, Google Play).
Business.gov.au provides general COVID-19 information and support for businesses.
Australian Taxation Office support for businesses and employers, including information on JobKeeper payment, boosting cash flow, backing business investment.
Department of Health
Fair Work Ombudsman
Other useful resources
- Australian Government Treasury – Support for businesses
- Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
- Department of Home Affairs - Information for visa holders
- World Health Organisation – COVID-19 - Occupational health
- Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment: Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice
- Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA)
- Australian Council of Trade Unions - Coronavirus updates
- Australia Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Ai Group - COVID-19 resources
- Smartraveller
- Stay Smart Online
- Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Mental health support services
- Head to Health
- Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service
- Family and mental health support — Department of Social Services
- Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
- HeadsUp – Healthy Workplaces Support
- Lifeline
WHS regulator and workers’ compensation authority contacts
General state and territory COVID-19 information
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented situation for everyone. As a small business it is understandable you may have concerns about how to continue to meet your WHS duties at this time. There are a number of practical steps you can take to manage the risk of exposure to COVID-19 at your workplace and meet your legal obligations.
Here are some ideas to help you get started thinking about what you can reasonably do to keep people safe at your workplace.
For more WHS information and resources for small business, go to the COVID-19 Small business hub.
Some business operations are restricted under state or territory government public health directions. If you want to know what restrictions on business operations apply to your workplace, go to your state or territory government website.
You can also go to our Public health directions and COVIDSafe plans page for links to enforceable government directions.
Businesses must only operate to the extent permissible in each state and territory. The information provided below outlines measures which cover all aspects of services offered by the industry – depending on what is permissible in your jurisdiction, some sections may not be currently relevant to your business. You should check any relevant advice from your state or territory regarding working from home in response to COVID-19.
Safe Work Australia does not regulate or enforce WHS laws or COVID-19 restrictions on business operations. If you want to know how WHS laws apply to you or need help with what to do at your workplace, contact the WHS regulator in your jurisdiction.
Australia.gov.au has the latest information from the Australian Government.
Business.gov.au provides general COVID-19 information and support for businesses.
Support for sole traders provides information on assistance sole traders affected by the coronavirus may be eligible for.
My Business Health provides help to small business owners and sole traders, including mental health support.
Ahead for business provides help for small business owners and those that support them.
Australian Taxation Office support for businesses and employers, including information on JobKeeper payment, boosting cash flow, backing business investment.
Wage subsidy for apprentices and trainees has information and registration for the Australian Government’s small business wage subsidy to retain apprentices and trainees.
Loan repayment deferrals has information about deferral of loan repayments for small businesses affected by COVID-19.
Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme has information on the Government’s guarantee scheme.
Download the Australian Government Coronavirus app (Apple App Store, Google Play).
Fair Work Ombudsman
Other useful resources
- Australian Government Treasury – Support for businesses
- Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
- Department of Home Affairs - Information for visa holders
- World Health Organisation – COVID-19 - Occupational health
- Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment: Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice
- Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA)
- Australian Council of Trade Unions - Coronavirus updates
- Australia Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Ai Group - COVID-19 resources
- Smartraveller
- Stay Smart Online
- Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
Mental health support services
- Head to Health
- Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service
- Family and mental health support — Department of Social Services
- Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
- HeadsUp – Healthy Workplaces Support
- Lifeline
WHS regulator and workers’ compensation authority contacts
General state and territory COVID-19 information
Some business operations are restricted under state or territory government public health directions. If you want to know what restrictions on business operations apply to your workplace, go to your state or territory government website.
You can also go to our Public health directions and COVIDSafe plans page for links to enforceable government directions.
Businesses must only operate to the extent permissible in each state and territory. The information provided below outlines measures which cover all aspects of services offered by the industry – depending on what is permissible in your jurisdiction, some sections may not be currently relevant to your business. You should check any relevant advice from your state or territory regarding working from home in response to COVID-19.
Safe Work Australia does not regulate or enforce WHS laws or COVID-19 restrictions on business operations. If you want to know how WHS laws apply to you or need help with what to do at your workplace, contact the WHS regulator in your jurisdiction.
It is normal to feel stressed during this time. Talk to your employer about your concerns as they may have an employee assistance program that can help you.
You can also contact the following services:
- Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Lifeline
- Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 - beyondblue.org.au
- Headspace - 1800 650 893 - headspace.org.au
- Heads Up - headsup.org.au
Other information and services to help you if you’re affected by COVID-19
- Australia.gov.au has the latest information from the Australian Government
- Australian Government Department of Health - Coronavirus (COVID-19) GP respiratory clinic
- Healthdirect - Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptom checker
- Services Australia - Domestic violence support
- Services Australia - Payments and services during coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Department of Social Services - Support for people with disabilities
- Department of Education, Skills and Employment - Jobs hub
- Australian Taxation Office - Support for individuals and employees
- Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources - Energy bills
- Moneysmart
- Australian Financial Security Authority - Changes to bankruptcy laws
- Smartraveller
- Stay Smart Online
- Department of Home Affairs - information for visa holders
- Australian Council of Trade Unions - Coronavirus updates
Fair Work Ombudsman