Omari Gates
Australia has had various mask mandates in place since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2025, the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care recommends getting vaccinated against COVID-19, and states that being vaccinated is not mandatory. However, in 2021, wearing a fitted face mask was compulsory in indoor settings and on public transport across much of the country. In 2024, the Australian government was criticized for awarding a $100 million contract for 50 million masks to a company with no experience in PPE procurement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mask mandate | Wearing a fitted face mask is compulsory in indoor settings and on public transport across much of the country. |
| Mask availability | Masks are available for purchase online and in retail stores. |
| Mask types | Masks include washable and reusable cloth masks, disposable masks, and N95 masks. |
| Vaccination status | COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory but is recommended and free for everyone in Australia. |
| Government actions | The Australian government has been involved in procuring and distributing masks, but there have also been reports of faulty PPE purchases. |
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What You'll Learn
- Face masks are compulsory in indoor settings and on public transport
- Vaccines are free and available to everyone in Australia
- The Australian government paid $100 million for 50 million unusable masks
- MaskPac offers free shipping on reusable, washable face masks
- Bloch offers free shipping on orders over $75
Face masks are compulsory in indoor settings and on public transport
In Australia, wearing a fitted face mask is compulsory in indoor settings and on public transport across much of the country. Face masks are available for purchase online and in retail stores. Bloch, for example, offers masks in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, while MaskPac offers free shipping across Australia for its range of reusable and disposable masks.
It is important to note that the use of face masks should be considered a complementary measure to other preventive actions. These include physical distancing, respiratory etiquette, meticulous hand hygiene, and refraining from touching the face, nose, eyes, and mouth.
While face masks are compulsory in certain settings, being vaccinated against COVID-19 is not mandatory in Australia. Vaccines are, however, recommended and are available for free. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect oneself against COVID-19, and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advises on who should receive vaccines and how often, based on the latest evidence.
To summarize, in Australia, face masks are currently compulsory in indoor settings and on public transport. Masks can be purchased or acquired for free from various sources, and vaccination is recommended but not mandatory. Remember to follow other preventive measures in addition to wearing a mask.
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Vaccines are free and available to everyone in Australia
In Australia, COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone who is recommended for a vaccine. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advises on who should receive COVID-19 vaccines and how often, based on the latest evidence. Most people in Australia have already received their primary course of vaccination. If you are in a high-risk group, you should get regular booster vaccine doses to stay protected. How often you need a booster dose depends on your age and health status. You can book your free vaccine appointment at various health services, including doctors and pharmacies.
In addition to COVID-19 vaccines, flu vaccines are also free in Western Australia for all residents aged six months and older, including interstate and international visitors, as well as people without a Medicare card. It is recommended that people receive their annual flu vaccination before the start of the flu season, which typically runs from May to October, with peak circulation usually occurring from June to September.
The National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) is transforming how Australians access essential vaccines. Under this program, community pharmacists can administer free flu vaccinations to children aged 5 years (with two doses recommended and funded in the first year of vaccination) and people aged 5 to 65 years with certain medical conditions.
Vaccination against influenza is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. In all states except Queensland, patients aged 5 and over can be vaccinated in a community pharmacy, while in Queensland, pharmacists can vaccinate infants from 6 months of age.
Your vaccination will be recorded in the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) by your vaccination provider, as required by Australian law. You must remain in the vaccination clinic for observation for at least 15 minutes after vaccination, and up to 30 minutes depending on your medical history.
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The Australian government paid $100 million for 50 million unusable masks
In Australia, wearing a fitted face mask is compulsory in indoor settings and on public transport across much of the country. However, in 2023, it was revealed that the Australian government had paid $100 million for 50 million unusable masks during the pandemic. The masks were sourced from an obscure online retailer, Australian Business Mobiles (ABM), which had little to no experience in importing PPE.
ABM was contracted to provide 50 million masks and 4 million gowns, receiving $100 million in PPE contracts in 2020. The company had previously dealt primarily in the sale of household items such as air fryers, robot vacuum cleaners, bedding, and massage guns. Despite the health department being aware of ABM's lack of experience, the contracts were still awarded.
To fulfil the contract, ABM subcontracted the supply of PPE to two companies registered in Cyprus, Neumer Trading and Neumer Holdings, owned by brothers Ricky and Evan Neumann. These companies then sourced the PPE from Chinese manufacturers, making about $40 million on the deals.
Of the 50 million masks supplied, almost 46 million were deemed unusable because five of the seven manufacturers that supplied masks to ABM were non-compliant with quality regulations. The non-compliant masks were delivered on mixed pallets, making it impossible to identify the compliant masks in the stockpile.
The Australian government has not initiated any process to recover the money or request replacement masks, but is exploring its options. This incident highlights the challenges faced by governments in securing essential PPE during a global pandemic, and the potential consequences of rushed or poorly vetted procurement decisions.
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MaskPac offers free shipping on reusable, washable face masks
In Australia, wearing a fitted face mask is compulsory in indoor settings and on public transport across much of the country. While vaccination against COVID-19 is not mandatory, it is still the most effective way to protect oneself against the virus. In light of the pandemic, FloatPac has launched MaskPac, a brand of high-quality, hygienic, and Australian-made face masks.
MaskPac offers free shipping on its range of reusable, washable face masks. The masks are manufactured in Australia and come in three sizes, with double-layer protection. They are made from a variety of materials, including cotton, poly-cotton blends, and silk. MaskPac also offers disposable face masks made from organic New Zealand wool filter fibre.
In addition to MaskPac, there are other options available for those looking to buy face masks in Australia. Bloch, for example, offers free Australia-wide shipping on orders over $75. Their masks are available online and in retail stores across the country. However, it is important to note that the Australian government has faced challenges with procuring PPE during the pandemic, including a controversial contract with an inexperienced retailer that resulted in the delivery of unusable masks.
As the situation with COVID-19 evolves, it is important to stay informed about the latest recommendations and regulations regarding face masks and vaccinations in your local area. Remember, wearing masks and getting vaccinated are not mutually exclusive—both can be effective measures to protect yourself and others from the spread of the virus.
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Bloch offers free shipping on orders over $75
In Australia, wearing a fitted face mask is compulsory in indoor settings and on public transport across much of the country. Founded by Jacob Bloch in Sydney in 1932, Bloch is Australia's best-known manufacturer of dance shoes and apparel. The company has been serving the dancers of Australia for decades and is now utilizing its design skills to produce face masks for Australians.
MaskPac is another Australian company that offers free shipping on its range of face masks. Their masks are also washable and reusable, with double-layer protection. They offer a buy-one-get-one-free promotion and free same-day shipping across Australia.
FloatPac is another Australian company that has turned its manufacturing division to the design, manufacture, and supply of high-quality, hygienic, and washable face masks. Their masks are sold through the MaskPac brand, which also offers free shipping.
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Frequently asked questions
In Australia, wearing a fitted face mask is compulsory in indoor settings and on public transport across much of the country.
Masks are available to buy online and in retail stores. Bloch and MaskPac are two companies that sell masks in Australia.
Yes, in 2022, free masks were provided to support South Australians.
Being vaccinated against COVID-19 in Australia is not mandatory. However, the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care advises that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19.
