The Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia have established two dedicated national specialist lists aimed at dealing with urgent applications caused directly by COVID-19. The lists commenced operation from today 29 April 2020. More details here.

In relation to execution, witnessing and other COVID-19-related matters, the Office of the Registrar General has published COVID-19: New options for executing NSW paper land dealings and instruments during the pandemic with important links to Conveyancing Rules – (COVID-19 Pandemic) Amendment – April 2020 and Guidance note: executing NSW paper land dealings during COVID-19 restrictions. Also see the updated Land Registry Services announcement.

There will be three key changes that will take effect across NSW next month. From Friday 1 May, up to two adults and their dependent children will be allowed to visit another household. There will be a staggered return of face-to-face teaching from 11 May and there may be increased retail activity, with some businesses choosing to re-open. Read more here.

National Cabinet has agreed to develop nationally-consistent, industry-specific work health and safety guidance on COVID-19. The guidance will be developed and endorsed through Safe Work Australia and will be housed on a revamped Safe Work Australia website. To support the development of nationally-consistent guidance, National Cabinet agreed to the ‘National COVID-19 safe workplace principles’. See details here.­

An expert taskforce of more than 100 researchers drawn from across the Group of Eight (Go8) Universities has presented the Australian Government with a "Roadmap to Recovery", a report aimed at helping Government plot the best path through COVID-19. The report presents two options for consideration: Elimination or Controlled Adaption. Details here.

2.8 million Australians have downloaded the COVIDSafe app, which the Prime Minster says will help Australia transition to a ‘COVID safe’ economy. The Government expects more cases from an easing of restrictions. International travel is unlikely anytime soon. There’s been an increased demand in mental health digital services during COVID-19 and the Commonwealth is working on a mental health response plan. The National Mental Health Commission has practical tips to stay connected and mentally well during COVID-19. More here.

Federal Health minister Greg Hunt has announced that Australia has secured an extra 10 million COVID-19 testing kits from China as the result of a partnership between the Commonwealth and the Minderoo Foundation. This will result in a 20-fold increase in COVID-19 testing capability across the nation by the end of the year. To date, 500,000 tests have been conducted in the past two months. More here.

This instrument repeals the Biosecurity (Human Health Response Zone) (Swissotel Sydney) Determination 2020 as the Swissotel is no longer a Human Health Response Zone. See details.

SIRA has been advised of 205 COVID-19-related workers compensation claims and notifications of injury. SIRA is closely supervising how insurers are handling these claims. SIRA will begin consultation to develop a new COVID-19-related Standard of Practice that will set expectations for insurers. SIRA aims to issue tailored guidance on management of these claims and support for workers through their recovery and return to work.

SIRA has announced two new vocational programs intended to support injured road users, workers and employers during the COVID-19 crisis. The JobCover6 program encourages employers to provide short-term work opportunities to help injured road users and workers looking to gain new employment. The Connect2work program encourages employers to provide work placements to assist workers unable to recover at their pre-injury workplace or are looking to gain new work skills during the COVID-19 crisis.