NSW recorded zero new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. There were nine new cases in returning overseas travellers, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,167. In the 24 hours to 8pm last night, NSW Health administered 4,218 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, bringing the total number of doses administered in the state to 164,855. More information here.

Last Friday the National Cabinet met to discuss ongoing issues regarding the pandemic, including issues affecting the AstraZeneca vaccine and the new recommendation that it not be administered to those aged under 50. National Cabinet agreed the new health advice will require a recalibration of the Australian Vaccination Strategy for future phases, with changes worked through in consultation with states, territories and medical experts over the coming weeks. The National Cabinet agreed to releasing daily and weekly COVID-19 vaccination data, which is now available here. More details from the meeting here.

The NSW Government has released guidance for ANZAC Day events, including the CBD March and playing two-up. Outdoor Anzac Day marches and services may be held as COVID-19 safe outdoor gatherings, with up to 5,000 persons subject to the two square metre rule. An exemption has also been granted for the Anzac Day march organised by the RSL NSW, to be held in Sydney's city centre. The exemption allows for a maximum of 10,000 people to participate in the outdoor event. Read the details here.

Job seekers will soon be eligible to receive up to $2,000 in upfront payments to assist with the costs of relocating to take up ongoing work. The Federal Government’s 'Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job' program currently provides up to $9,000 in support to encourage eligible job seekers to take up ongoing work in a new location in Australia, including regional areas. Once a job seeker has accepted an ongoing job, this support is available to help reimburse job seekers for some of the costs of relocating. From next month, job seekers may be able to receive up to $2,000 of that support in upfront payments. More information here.

Job vacancies in Australia increased by 14 per cent between November 2020 and February 2021, according to new seasonally adjusted figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The ABS reported that job vacancies were 27 per cent higher than 12 months earlier in February 2020, just before the start of the pandemic, which it says reflected the pace of recovery in labour demand over the second half of 2020 and early 2021, as well as labour shortages in some industries. More here.

From Monday 19 April 2021, two-way quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand begins. To travel quarantine-free, Australians must meet the New Zealand Government’s health pre-conditions. All other normal entry requirements — like customs, immigration and biosecurity — apply. Be aware that quarantine-free travel could be paused or suspended at any time, so stay up to date with announcements here.