PROGRESS ON RESTRICTIONS

Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business
Senator for Western Australia

12 June 2020

WEEKLY WRAP

PROGRESS ON RESTRICTIONS

Today, National Cabinet reconfirmed the commitment to the three-step framework for a COVID-safe Australia to be completed in July 2020.

All states are now in Step Two or Three, the number of new cases has remained low, and localised outbreaks have been responded to effectively.

There are now less than 500 active cases in Australia, community transmission remains low, and we are starting to see days with no new cases in most parts of the country. This progress needs to be maintained in order to make further economic and social gains – by living and working in COVID-safe ways as restrictions continue to ease.

National Cabinet also agreed to further changes based on Australian Health Principal Protection Committee (AHPPC) advice to enable extended removal of restrictions under Step Three for indoor gathering density rules and reopening ticketed and seated outdoor events, including in stadiums.

Indoor Gatherings

National Cabinet agreed to remove the 100 person limit on non-essential indoor gatherings under the Step Three Framework and replace it with:

• One person per four sqm;
• Staying 1.5 metres away from other people whenever and wherever possible;
• Maintaining good hand washing and cough/sneeze hygiene;
• Staying home when unwell, and getting tested if you have respiratory symptoms or a fever;
• Downloading the COVIDSafe app to allow identification and traceability of people that have been in contact with a confirmed COVID case; and
• Developing COVIDSafe plans for workplaces and premises.

States and territories will determine when to implement these changes under Step Three.

National Cabinet requested further advice from the AHPPC on the one person per four sqm density rule and application for small premises.

National Cabinet reiterated that it is vital for our society and our economy that we can live with this virus, and keep ourselves and others safe – we cannot risk a second wave and having to step backwards, especially now that we are making such good progress.

National Cabinet reiterated that high risk venues such as nightclubs do not form part of Step Three and will be considered following further advice from medical experts.

Outdoor events including stadiums

For outdoor venues up to 40,000 spectator capacity, ticketed and seated events will be able to be held in front of a crowd of no more than 25 per cent of capacity under Step Three.

States and territories will make decisions on when to move to Step Three under COVIDSafe plans.

At a minimum, COVID-Safe arrangements must be maintained including:

• One person per four sqm;
• Staying 1.5 metres away from other people whenever and wherever possible;
• Maintaining good hand washing and cough/sneeze hygiene;
• Staying home when unwell, and getting tested if you have respiratory symptoms or a fever; and
• Downloading the COVIDSafe app to allow identification and traceability of people that have been in contact with a confirmed COVID case.

For outdoor venues of more than 40,000 spectator capacity, further advice is being sought from the AHPPC, with arrangements to be settled by the states and territories on a venue by venue basis.

National Cabinet reiterated that high risk outdoor events without ticketed seating such as music festivals do not form part of Step Three and will be considered following further advice from medical experts.

UPDATE ON NATIONAL FEDERATION REFORM COUNCIL

Following on from National Cabinet’s agreement to continue as the ongoing forum for first ministers, to form the National Federation Reform Council and to cease the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), National Cabinet today had further discussions regarding the architecture to fundamentally transform federal relations and achieve policy outcomes in areas of shared interest to create jobs and to improve the lives of all Australians.

National Cabinet has announced six initial priority areas of reform, and the formation of six National Cabinet Reform Committees:

• Rural and Regional Australia
• Skills
• Energy
• Infrastructure and Transport
• Population and Migration
• Health

These committees will be driven by leaders of National Cabinet and tasked to progress a rapid jobs agenda. Deregulation will be taken forward by the Council of Federal Financial Relations (CFFR) as a matter of priority.

National Cabinet held further discussions regarding the role of the CFFR, which is led by the Commonwealth Treasurer and made up of Treasurers of states and territories. The CFFR has a central role in the new system, supporting the work of National Cabinet as it focuses on job creation. Specifically, National Cabinet has tasked CFFR to progress targeted reforms in areas such as tax, deregulation and housing. CFFR will report to National Cabinet on findings and recommendations of these commissioned reform projects, with input from Expert Advisory Groups.

Further information on reform projects to be undertaken by the CFFR will be provided shortly.

The CFFR will also take on responsibility for coordination of all commonwealth/state funding agreements, including National Partnership Agreements. National Cabinet has asked that CFFR commence a review of existing agreements with a view to consolidation and rationalisation. This includes identifying agreements that could be ceased in order to streamline responsibilities and to reduce duplication and overlap. CFFR will provide National Cabinet with an update on their progress and a plan for implementation by the end of August.

Regards

Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business
Senator for Western Australia