18 August 2020
The instrument enables relevant applicants who have carried out critical COVID-19 work in the healthcare and medical sectors after 31 January 2020 in any place in Australia to count this work towards eligibility for a second or third Subclass 417 visa.
Work includes but not limited to:
a) medical treatment, nursing, contact tracing, testing and research;
(b) support services such as cleaning of medical and health care facilities and equipment.
While not all postcode areas within a State or Territory are generally considered regional, they have been specified for the definition of regional Australia by the instrument in relation to critical COVID-19 work in the healthcare and medical sectors only. This approach is beneficial to relevant applicants who have carried out this work anywhere in Australia and who are seeking to apply for a second or third visa.