Australian face mask rules: The complete list
What are the latest rules for every state?
Note: This page is no longer being updated. Find the latest Australian face mask rules here.
We are now at a point where every state and territory across Australia has some level of mask mandate in place.
If you're confused about when and where you should be wearing a face mask, this guide summarises the rules around where face masks are required across Australia, how old you need to be to wear one and the penalties for non-compliance.
Australian face mask rules at a glance
| Location | Rules (as at 10/02/2022) |
|---|---|
| Victoria | Compulsory in indoor settings and on public transport for ages 8 and over |
| NSW | Compulsory in indoor settings and on public transport for ages 12 and over, plus students and teachers of Year 7 and above |
| Queensland | Compulsory in indoor settings and on public transport for ages 12 and over |
| South Australia | Compulsory in indoor public places, on public transport and at events with a COVID management plan for ages 12 and over |
| Tasmania | Compulsory in indoor settings, on public transport and as part of Essential Traveller conditions for ages 12 and over |
| ACT | Compulsory in indoor settings and on public transport for ages 12 and over |
| Northern Territory | Compulsory in indoor settings where a 1.5m distance from others can not be maintained and on public transport for ages 12 and over |
| Western Australia | Compulsory for Perth, Peel, Rottnest Island, the South West, Wheatbelt and Great Southern Regions in all indoor public venues, workplaces, on public transport, in hospitals and aged care facilities for ages 12 and over |
The use of masks in Australia
Along with mandatory requirements across Australia for the indoor use of masks, some states are following the latest advice from the World Health Organisation and recommending that masks be worn while you are outside. Wearing a mask in public outdoor areas is a preventative measure, particularly by people who haven't been tested and aren't showing symptoms.
Earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic, scarves, shields, snoods and bandanas were accepted as suitable face coverings. However, these are no longer regarded as adequate substitutes for masks.
If you need a mask that has a high level of particle filtering, check our guides on KN95 face masks and P2 masks to find the right one for you.
Face mask rules in Victoria
Victorians aged 8 years and over are required to wear a mask in all indoor settings as well as on public transport, in a taxi or ride-share, at an airport, visiting a hospital or attending an event with more than 30,000 patrons. A mask must also be worn if you are waiting for COVID-19 test results, have tested positive or are a contact of a known case.
You can remove your mask to eat and drink or if you are receiving beauty services.
You must carry a mask with you at all times in case you need to wear 1 when going indoors or if it becomes impossible to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from others.
There are some exceptions to the Victorian mask rules. Mask use is not required for some people and situations, including:
- Infants, children under 8 and primary school students in Grade 2 or below
- Having a mental health or physical condition in which wearing a mask will provoke or worsen symptoms
- Communicating with others who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Working in a position where visibility of the mouth is essential or a face mask creates a health and safety risk
- In a private residence, unless inspecting a property or attending an auction
- Working alone in an indoor space
- Getting married
- Training for a professional sport
- Doing strenuous exercise
Do I need a medical certificate to be exempt from wearing a mask in Victoria?
In Victoria, a medical certificate is not required if you have a lawful reason. If you are not wearing a face mask in a place where it is mandatory, you will need to explain your reason to police if stopped.
Penalties for not wearing a mask in Victoria
If you are not wearing a mask when required and do not have a reasonable excuse, you can be issued a $100 fine.
Face mask rules in New South Wales
As of 24 December 2021, everyone aged 12 and over must wear face masks in indoor settings under NSW regulations. Indoor settings are defined as the following:
- Indoor areas other than a place of residence, plus common indoor property used for residential purposes
- Public transport services (buses, trains, light rail and ferries), including platforms and bus shelters
- Working at a hospitality venue
- On domestic aircraft, including while flying over NSW
Medical grade masks are to be worn by all staff and students in Year 7 and above, and by staff in K to 6. While not compulsory, masks are recommended for students in K to 6.
You can remove your face mask when you are:
- Eating or drinking
- Communicating with a deaf or hard of hearing person
- Proving your identity
- Providing or receiving services where mask wearing inhibits the ability to do so properly
- Exercising outside, in the gym or at a dance class
- Getting married
- In an emergency situation
- In your hotel room
- Travelling in a vehicle with someone from your household
- Working alone indoors
You must put on your mask again once you have finished an activity that allows you to remove it.
Do I need a medical certificate to be exempt from wearing a mask in NSW?
If you have a disability, condition or illness that makes it unsuitable to wear a mask, you will either need a statutory declaration or a medical certificate. This must be carried on you at all times along with proof of name and address in case a police officer asks for your lawful reason for not wearing a mask.
Penalties for not wearing a mask in NSW
Breaching public health orders in NSW can result in an on-the-spot fine. If you are caught not wearing a mask in a mandatory area and do not have a lawful reason, you can be issued a fine of $500 if you are 18 years or over. Teenagers aged 16 or 17 can receive a fine of $80 and a $40 fine can be given to those aged 15 years or younger.
Face mask rules in Queensland
As of 2 January 2022, face masks must be worn indoors by everyone 12 years and over in Queensland, including these locations:
- Shopping centres and supermarkets
- Hospitals and aged care facilities
- Gyms, theatres, cinemas and sports arenas
- Schools and childcare facilities
- On airplanes and at airports
- Indoor workplaces
- Public transport, taxis and ride-share vehicles
In restaurants, food courts, cafes or clubs, patrons must wear a mask at all times unless when seated and consuming food or drinks.
You don't need to wear a mask outdoors if you can maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from others.
There are exceptions to wearing a mask in Queensland, such as:
- When a mask creates a risk to your health and safety
- When the visibility of your mouth is required, including communicating with the deaf, broadcasting or giving speech therapy
- Travelling in your vehicle alone or with other people from your household
- Residents of aged care and disability facilities
- Undergoing medical treatment
- Children under 12 do not need to wear a mask
Do I need a medical certificate to be exempt from wearing a mask in Queensland?
It is not required to have a medical certificate in Queensland as long as you have a lawful reason. If you are unable to wear a mask for medical reasons, a face shield is recommended.
Penalties for not wearing a mask in Queensland
If you are stopped by police and do not have a lawful reason for not wearing a face mask, you may be given an on-the-spot fine of $1,378. A fine of $206 can be given for refusing police orders to put on a mask. Court-imposed penalties and prison time can also be given. Larger fines apply to corporations not complying with mask mandates.
Face mask rules in South Australia
In South Australia, face masks are mandatory for:
- Indoor public places (cinemas, restaurants, bars, places of worship, shops, supermarkets)
- Accessing health care or personal care services
- Using passenger transport
- Airports and airplanes
- People in quarantine that come into contact with the public
- Venues and events with a COVID management plan
Mask use is strongly recommended for indoor workplaces and adult learning environments, but optional for childhood education services.
Children under 12 are not required to wear a face mask.
Some circumstances provide an exception to wearing a face mask, including:
- Having a physical or mental health condition which makes wearing a mask unsuitable
- When visibility of the mouth is essential for communication, such as communicating with the deaf or hard of hearing, broadcasters and teachers
- Working in an indoor space alone
- Proving your identity for lawful reasons
- Participating in a wedding ceremony as part of the bridal party
- Exercising at the gym, but masks must be worn when entering and exiting the building
- Eating, drinking or taking medicine
Do I need a medical certificate to be exempt from wearing a mask in South Australia?
If you have a disability, condition or illness that makes it unsuitable to wear a mask, you will need to carry evidence of this with you to be produced on request.
Face mask rules in Tasmania
Tasmanians must wear a mask in indoor spaces, when travelling on a plane and when visiting health and aged care facilities.
Indoor spaces where masks are mandated include:
- Private events unless they are in a place of residence
- Hospitals and aged care facilities
- Airports, aircraft and Spirit of Tasmania
- Workplaces and when providing commercial services
- Education settings
- Public transport
- Community venues and service providers
- Supermarkets, shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, hairdressers, hotels
- Indoor areas of commercial or residential boats
- Indoor exercise and sporting venues
- Events that require masks
You can take your mask off when eating or drinking, then put it back on when you are finished.
It is recommended to also wear a mask to protect yourself and others even in situations not mandated by public health orders. This could include walking down busy streets or in a park with other patrons.
The Tasmania government does not require masks to be worn in the following situations:
- When you are at home or visiting friends and family in their home
- Eating, drinking or taking medicine
- Getting medical treatment or a beauty service that can not be performed with a face mask on
- Studying, working or volunteering alone in an indoor space
- Doing strenuous exercise or cardio workouts such as swimming or running
- Musicians, dancers and actors who are rehearsing or performing
- Communicating with a deaf person or when visibility of your mouth is needed for your profession
- Traveling in your personal vehicle
- When wearing a face mask creates a risk to your health and safety
Children under 12 or those in primary education are not required to wear masks.
Do I need a medical certificate to be exempt from wearing a mask in Tasmania?
If you have a condition or disability that stops you from wearing a face mask, a medical certificate or other documentation from your medical practitioner is required.
You can also apply for an exemption from the Director of Public Health for situations such as removing your mask for compassionate reasons.
Penalties for not wearing a mask in Tasmania
If you do not comply with the Tasmanian mask mandates, you can be fined $778.50. You can also be refused entry by a place of business for not wearing a mask.
Face mask rules in the Australian Capital Territory
Mandatory use of face masks while in indoor settings was reintroduced in the ACT on 22 December 2022. Children under 12 are not required to wear a mask, but parents and carers can allow children to do so if they wish.
Masks can be removed when:
- Eating, drinking or taking medicine
- Communicating with the hard of hearing or when mouth visibility is required for a job
- It is necessary for the proper provision of goods and services
- Wearing a face mask creates a health and safety risk
- In an emergency situation
- Doing intense physical exercise
- Doing essential work alone in an indoor space
Masks must be put back on once these activities have finished.
Do I need a medical certificate to be exempt from wearing a mask in the ACT?
If you have a physical or mental health condition or disability that stops you from wearing a face mask, you are not required to wear one. You will not need a formal written exemption, but must be able to respond when questioned by an authorised officer under the public health direction. A letter or certificate from your health practitioner that confirms your condition and inability to wear a mask may make answering questions easier.
Penalties for not wearing a mask in the ACT
Individuals who do not comply with public health orders for masks can be fined $200. Corporations can be fined $1,000.
Face mask rules in the Northern Territory
Masks are mandatory in the Northern Territory for indoor settings when you can't keep a distance of 1.5 metres from others, including at:
- Shopping centres
- Hairdressers
- Workplaces
- Pubs, clubs and restaurants
- Public transport, taxis, ride-shares and indoor boat cruises
- Airports and on airplanes
Children under 12 are exempt from wearing masks.
You do not need to wear a mask while exercising, in private residences, consuming food or drink, communicating with a hearing-impaired person or wearing an oxygen mask.
While not compulsory in NT, it is recommended that masks are worn outdoors and at large public outdoor events.
Do I need a medical certificate to be exempt from wearing a mask in Northern Territory?
You do not need to wear a mask if you have a medical condition that makes it safe or inappropriate to do so. However, you will need to provide proof of medical exemption when asked or face a penalty.
Penalties for not wearing a mask in NT
Individuals can be fined $5,000 if they are not wearing a mask in mandated settings.
Face mask rules in Western Australia
Everyone in Perth, Peel, Rottnest Island, the South West, Wheatbelt and Great Southern Regions must wear a mask in all indoor public venues including workplaces. while using public transport, taxis or ride-shares, on an airplane, at an airport, in hospitals and at aged care and disability facilities. You must also wear a mask if you are in a vehicle with someone other than those from your household.
Primary school-aged children do not need to wear a mask.
For anyone leaving the Wheatbelt and Southern Regions since 20 January 2022, mask requirements must be followed for 2 weeks.
If you have a disability, condition or illness that makes it unsuitable to wear a mask, you will need a medical certificate from a registered health practitioner or a disability care provider.
If you fail to comply with mask mandates, penalties may apply.
Want more help with masks? Check out our overview of face masks, how to choose the best one, and our regularly-updated guide on where to buy masks.
