Information for the legal profession on
COVID-19 outbreak
We will continue to monitor and update the legal profession with the latest news regarding COVID-19.
Updates from the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court
The Courts have a dedicated page for all COVID-19 related information for the profession at the following:
Updates from the Federal Court
Read the latest updates from the Federal Court here.
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
It will be easier for Australians to get assistance from professional accountants and financial planners in making decisions about their financial position in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Registered Tax Agents (RTAs) can now temporarily give advice about early access to superannuation, without having to hold an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence, and financial planners will have access to simplified advice documents in the place of a long and complex statement of advice. Read more.
ASIC also released details on the changes to its regulatory work and priorities to allow for a focus on the impact of COVID-19. Read more.
Mental Health Support
There will be additional funding and bolstering of mental health support providers including Lifeline and for Kids Helpline who have experienced an unprecedented surge in call volumes.
The digital mental health portal Head to Health will be a single source of authoritative information and guidance on how to maintain good mental health how to access mental health services and care.
The government has also announced the funding of a dedicated coronavirus wellbeing support line (1800 512 348) delivered by Beyond Blue.
For more information on the JobKeeper Payment, click here.
Coronavirus app and Whatsapp channel
The Australian Government has also released a Coronavirus app and Whatsapp channel. The app is available on both Android and iPhones. To access the Whatsapp channel, you can go to the website.
Generally for more information on Coronavirus and the government’s response, please visit: www.treasury.gov.au/coronavirus or www.australia.gov.au.
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Support
The ATO has set up an Emergency Support Infoline - 1800 806 218.
Jobs Hub website
The Federal Government has launched a site – Jobs Hub – which lists all available jobs on the internet, in a bid to help Australians out of work because of coronavirus. Read more.
