Support for workers affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find financial assistance and jobseeker support if you've been stood down, had your hours reduced, lost your job or been made redundant; or have had to close your business due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Finding a job
Job boards and registers
JobSearch
Search jobs, including PaTH internships, harvest and indigenous jobs.
Labour hire
Labour hire companies provide temporary staff to employers across a range of industries.
Jobs Hub
Explore job boards, jobs in demand by location and what employers are currently hiring.
Work in Queensland's regional tourism industry
The Work in Paradise incentives program provides payments of up to $1,500 to eligible jobseekers who have started a job in Queensland's tourism and hospitality sector since 20 May 2021.
Seasonal job opportunities in Queensland
Queensland has a diverse range of seasonal jobs available throughout the year.
- Register your availability at Harvest Trail or phone the Harvest Trail Information Service (HTIS) on 1800 062 332.
- #pickqld – find and apply for harvest work, and assistance to cover relocation costs.
Retrenchment and redundancy assistance
Learn more about support services and career assistance available to workers who have been retrenched or made redundant.
Changes to temporary work visa arrangements
The Australian Government continues to make changes to travel exemptions and temporary visa holder arrangements, enabling individuals to enter Australia to work in critical sectors and current visa holders to remain in key businesses and industries.
Read about:
- critical skills travel exemptions
- COVID-19 pandemic event visa
- COVID-19 concessions for Skilled Regional visas.
The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) identifies occupations which fill critical skills needs to support economic recovery. Note: Priority occupations may change as Australia recovers from COVID-19.
Career guidance
In addition to job seeking websites, there are a number of support services available to help you gain employment.
Free online courses and skill sets
Access short-term, fee-free courses in a range of study areas, as well as COVID Safe training.
Australian Government career support
- Registering with Centrelink will allow you to see if there is income support or other assistance to help you get a job.
- Find online resources, professional career advisers and information about job expos to assist in your job search.
Financial assistance
Pandemic leave disaster payment
You may be eligible for a payment from the Australian Government if you have to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19, including caring for others with COVID-19. Different rules apply depending on the dates of your isolation or caring period.
Read more about the pandemic leave disaster payment.
Supporting the commencement of employees
Employers who commenced a new employee (aged 16 to 35) between 7 October 2020 and 7 October 2021 may be eligible to receive a weekly payment from the Australian Government.
Find out more about the JobMaker Hiring Credit.
Supporting apprentices and trainees
Employers who commence an apprentice or trainee, between 5 October 2020 and 30 June 2022, may be eligible for a subsidy of 50% of wages paid to the apprentice or trainee for a 12-month period from the date of commencement.
Find out more about the boosting apprenticeship commencements wage subsidy.
Financial assistance tax obligations
If you have received COVID-19 financial relief, you may need to declare this as part of your earnings for tax purposes.
Read about tax on employment payments.
Checking your rights and entitlements
Find out about:
- flexible working arrangements
- leave entitlements
- awards and wages
- workplace conditions, health and safety.
Learn about workplace risk management, including advice on hygiene, self-quarantine, personal protective equipment and telecommuting.
The National Employment Standards set out what redundancy pay may apply on employment termination. If you think you have not received the right amount of redundancy pay or you have been unfairly dismissed, be sure to seek advice.
Fair Work Ombudsman
Find out about your workplace entitlements and obligations, including:
- COVID-19 vaccinations, testing and the workplace
- temporary shut downs of the workplace
- stand downs from work
- alternative working arrangements
- leave entitlements and options, including unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave (note that some awards have an end date for unpaid pandemic leave and changes to annual leave).
Fair Work Commission
If you lose your job but believe you have been unfairly dismissed by your employer, contact the Fair Work Commission.
Mental health support
Find resources and assistance if you're struggling with your mental health and wellbeing.
Domestic and family violence support
If you are experiencing domestic and family violence, visit the domestic violence portal to find information, services and support.