Large venues will be able to host more than 100 people and stadiums will be allowed to be filled to 25 per cent capacity under changes to stage three of lifting restrictions in Australia.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced changes to the final stage of the roadmap to a COVIDSafe Australia after a meeting of the National Cabinet on Friday.
He said the 100-person cap on gatherings will be removed and replaced with requirements to meet the one person per four square metres rule, allowing more people to be accommodated in larger venues.
Mr Morrison also announced that stadiums with a capacity of 40,000 or less will also be allowed to fill 25 per cent of seats.
"This is not happening immediately, this is part of step three," Mr Morrison said.
While the federal government expects stage three to be reached in July, it is up to states and territories to decide when they move to the next stage of the reopening process.
'Pre-approved' international students allowed to return
Mr Morrison also announced that some international students will be allowed to return to Australia on a "pilot basis", but only to states that agree to open their borders.
"I made clear to the states and territories today, if someone can't come to your state from Sydney, then someone can't come to your state from Singapore. If you want to open up borders for international students, then you have to open up borders for Australians."
NSW, which has not closed its state borders, has been pushing the federal government to allow students stuck overseas to return for semester two.
Mr Morrison said some jurisdictions, including the ACT, had submitted "well thought-through proposals".
"We'll be working closely on states and territories, firstly on a pilot basis, to enable, in a very controlled setting, for international students to be able to come to Australia but only on pre-approved plans for particular institutions worked up between federal authorities and state and territory authorities," Mr Morrison said.
Tasmania has no active cases
Tasmania is preparing to ease some restrictions after it was confirmed there were no active coronavirus cases in the state.
Premier Peter Gutwein confirmed the milestone on Friday afternoon, while also announcing 80 people will be allowed to attend indoor and outdoor gatherings from next Wednesday.
The 80 person cap applies to gyms, pubs, weddings and funerals, Mr Gutwein said.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store. SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at
