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2020 in Australia

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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}

The following lists events that happened during 2020 in Australia.

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{{Infobox Australian year

| monarch = Elizabeth II

| governor-general = David Hurley

| pm = Scott Morrison

| population =

| australian = James Muecke

| elections = NT, ACT, QLD

}}

{{Year in Australia|2020}}

Incumbents

File:David Hurley official photo (cropped).jpg]]

File:Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison.jpg]]

=State and territory leaders=

=Governors and administrators=

Events

=January=

  • 1 January – The death toll from the bushfire season in the South Coast of New South Wales rises to seven.{{cite news |title='The number of lives lost will climb': Seven dead, 176 homes destroyed in NSW bushfires |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-01/nsw-bushfire-destroys-homes-on-south-coast/11835426 |access-date=1 January 2020 |work=ABC News |date=1 January 2020 |language=en-AU |archive-date=1 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101014324/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-01/nsw-bushfire-destroys-homes-on-south-coast/11835426 |url-status=live }}
  • 2 January – Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews declares a state of disaster for six local government areas and three alpine resorts in Victoria, due to unprecedented risk from bushfires.{{cite news |title=Victorian Premier declares state of disaster |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-02/victoria-state-of-disaster-declared/11838290 |access-date=2 January 2020 |work=ABC News |date=2 January 2020 |language=en-AU |archive-date=10 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510042924/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-02/bushfires-victoria-state-of-disaster-declared/11838290 |url-status=live }} Two people are confirmed to have died in eastern Victoria from the fires, with 17 people missing.{{cite news |last1=Hope |first1=Zach |title=State of disaster: Premier invoked powers for first time amid bushfire crisis |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/state-of-disaster-premier-invoked-powers-for-first-time-amid-bushfire-crisis-20200102-p53ogo.html |access-date=2 January 2020 |work=The Age |date=2 January 2020 |language=en |archive-date=2 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102131254/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/state-of-disaster-premier-invoked-powers-for-first-time-amid-bushfire-crisis-20200102-p53ogo.html |url-status=live }}
  • 5 January – The New South Wales town of Eden is evacuated due to the bushfires.{{Cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-05/fires-nsw-eden-evacuation-ordered-as-blaze-poses-imminent-risk/11841864 |title=(ABC News, 5 January 2019, Eden evacuation ordered as blaze poses imminent risk |newspaper=ABC News |date=5 January 2020 |access-date=5 January 2020 |archive-date=5 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105174557/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-05/fires-nsw-eden-evacuation-ordered-as-blaze-poses-imminent-risk/11841864 |url-status=live }}
  • 17 January – The Wiggles singer Greg Page suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed on stage at the Wiggles reunion show.
  • 20 January – A hail storm sweeps through Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory and surrounding parts of New South Wales, including areas affected by fire storms earlier in the year. The storm with winds recorded up to 177 km pelted hail stones the size of golf balls, big enough to smash car windows and injure birds. The hail caused significant damage to thousands of cars and homes, tore branches off trees, and caused localised flooding. This was less than 24 hours after the region was hit by massive dust storms blanketing entire towns and blacking out the sun.{{cite news |title=Hail storm sweeps through Canberra, damaging countless cars and smashing windows |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-20/hail-storm-in-canberra-damages-cars-smashes-windows/11882472 |access-date=9 October 2020 |work=ABC News |date=20 January 2020 |language=en-AU |archive-date=11 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200911202508/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-20/hail-storm-in-canberra-damages-cars-smashes-windows/11882472 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Dust storms and golf ball-sized hail are battering southeastern Australia |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/01/19/australia/australia-hail-dust-storm-intl-hnk-scli/index.html |access-date=9 October 2020 |work=CNN |date=20 January 2020 |language=en-AU |archive-date=21 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921025740/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/01/19/australia/australia-hail-dust-storm-intl-hnk-scli/index.html |url-status=live }}
  • 20 January – Will Hodgman resigns as Premier of Tasmania, and is replaced by Peter Gutwein.{{cite news |title=Gutwein premier, Rockliff deputy, after Tasmanian Liberal rivals quit contest |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-20/tasmania-new-premier-announced-peter-gutwein/11880490 |access-date=20 January 2020 |work=ABC News |date=20 January 2020 |language=en-AU |archive-date=22 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122161003/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-20/tasmania-new-premier-announced-peter-gutwein/11880490 |url-status=live }}
  • 20 January – 2 February – Novak Djokovic won the Men's Singles and Sofia Kenin the Women's Singles at the 2020 Australian Open.
  • 25 January – Australia confirms its first COVID-19 case in Melbourne.

=February=

  • 3 February – Richard Di Natale resigns as leader of the Australian Greens.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/feb/03/richard-di-natale-resigns-as-greens-leader-and-announces-he-will-leave-politics|title=Richard Di Natale resigns as Greens leader and announces he will leave politics|last=Murphy|first=Katharine|date=3 February 2020|work=The Guardian|access-date=5 February 2020|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=10 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510042925/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/feb/03/richard-di-natale-resigns-as-greens-leader-and-announces-he-will-leave-politics|url-status=live}}
  • 4 February – Adam Bandt is elected unopposed as leader of the Australian Greens, with Larissa Waters and Nick McKim as co-deputy leaders.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/feb/04/adam-bandt-pledges-to-push-for-australian-green-new-deal-after-being-elected-greens-leader|title=Adam Bandt pledges to push for Australian Green New Deal after being elected Greens leader|last=Karp|first=Paul|date=4 February 2020|work=The Guardian|access-date=5 February 2020|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=18 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418093323/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/feb/04/adam-bandt-pledges-to-push-for-australian-green-new-deal-after-being-elected-greens-leader|url-status=live}}
  • 16 February – A fundraising concert Fire Fight Australia is held at Stadium Australia in Sydney following the 2019–20 Australian bushfire season.
  • 17 February – General Motors announces it is pulling its Holden brand from Australia.[https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/17/business/general-motors-holden-australia/index.html General Motors is killing off the Holden brand and pulling out of Australia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224030233/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/17/business/general-motors-holden-australia/index.html |date=24 February 2020 }} By Michelle Toh, CNN Business, 17 February 2020
  • 19 February – A mother and her three children, aged 6, 4 and 3 years are killed in a car fire after their father, Rowan Baxter, doused the car in petrol and set it alight in the Brisbane suburb of Camp Hill. Baxter also died from a self-inflicted stab wound near the crime scene.
  • 20 February –
  • Wallan rail derailment, two people are killed and several passengers are injured when a NSW TrainLink XPT train traveling from Sydney to Melbourne derails just north of Melbourne at Wallan.
  • Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements to look into the fires that devastated the country over summer. 18 million hectares (44 million acres) burned, 28 people died, and 3,000 homes were destroyed.[https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/20/australia/australia-fires-royal-commission-intl-hnk/index.html Australia's bushfire royal commission to focus on preparing for future emergencies, but not climate change policy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115044732/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/20/australia/australia-fires-royal-commission-intl-hnk/index.html |date=15 November 2022 }} By Helen Regan, CNN, 20 February 2020{{cite press release |url=https://www.pm.gov.au/media/national-royal-commission-black-summer-bushfires-established |title=National Royal Commission into Black Summer bushfires established |date=20 February 2020 |work=Prime Minister of Australia |access-date=5 March 2020 |archive-date=5 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305165023/https://www.pm.gov.au/media/national-royal-commission-black-summer-bushfires-established |url-status=live }}
  • 21 February – 8 March – Australia won the 2020 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, defeating India by 85 runs.
  • 22 February –
  • 2019 NRL premiers Sydney Roosters defeat Super League XXIV champions St. Helens R.F.C. 20–12 in the 2020 World Club Challenge, held at Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens.
  • The Māori All Stars defeat the Indigenous All Stars 30–16 in the 2020 All Stars match. Māori hooker Brandon Smith, of Melbourne Storm, wins the Preston Campbell award for Man of the Match.
  • The Indigenous Women's All Stars defeat the Māori Women's All Stars 10–4 in the 2020 Women's All Stars match. Nakia Davis-Welsh is named Player of the Match.
  • 24 February – The head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Mike Burgess, says there is rising foreign and far-right interference in Australia, and that violent Islamist fundamentalism remains ASIO's primary concern.{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/feb/24/rightwing-extremism-a-real-and-growing-threat-asio-chief-says-in-annual-assessment |title=Asio boss warns of rising foreign interference and far-right extremism in Australia {{!}} Australian security and counter-terrorism {{!}} The Guardian |website=TheGuardian.com |date=24 February 2020 |access-date=25 May 2020 |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115044732/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/feb/24/rightwing-extremism-a-real-and-growing-threat-asio-chief-says-in-annual-assessment |url-status=live }}
  • 26 February – Down to Earth bushfire relief benefit concert held at Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne.{{Cite web |date=8 Jan 2020 |title=Gang Of Youths, Tash Sultana & More Announce Bushfire Benefit Show |url=https://themusic.com.au/news/gang-youths-tash-sultana-benefit-show/53nz-_r9_P8/08-01-20 |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=The Music |language=en |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311104403/https://themusic.com.au/news/gang-youths-tash-sultana-benefit-show/53nz-_r9_P8/08-01-20 |url-status=live }}
  • 29 February – Former AFL footballer Joel Bowden wins the 2020 Johnston by-election, representing the Labor Party.{{cite news |title=NT by-election: Ex-AFL star Joel Bowden wins seat of Johnston |url=https://www.news.com.au/national/northern-territory/nt-byelection-exafl-star-joel-bowden-wins-seat-of-johnston/news-story/ad64d7050dc12b70023e5584cb2a9d03 |access-date=13 March 2020 |work=news.com.au |date=29 February 2020 |language=en |archive-date=12 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312174007/https://www.news.com.au/national/northern-territory/nt-byelection-exafl-star-joel-bowden-wins-seat-of-johnston/news-story/ad64d7050dc12b70023e5584cb2a9d03 |url-status=live }}

=March=

  • 1 March – Australia records its first death from the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |title=Australia records first coronavirus death as authorities review Italy travel advice |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australian-authorities-review-italy-travel-advice-as-confirmed-cases-rise-20200301-p545qn.html |access-date=1 March 2020 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=1 March 2020 |language=en |archive-date=1 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301010811/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australian-authorities-review-italy-travel-advice-as-confirmed-cases-rise-20200301-p545qn.html |url-status=live }}
  • 3 March –
  • Australian Associated Press announces it will close its newswire service in June, after 85 years in operation.{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-03/aap-newswire-closes-after-85-years/12020770 |title=AAP newswire service closes after 85 years with 500 job losses, blames free online content |first1=Nassim |last1=Khadem |first2=Rachel |last2=Pupazzoni |date=3 March 2020 |work=ABCNews |access-date=5 March 2020 |archive-date=5 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305041819/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-03/aap-newswire-closes-after-85-years/12020770 |url-status=live }}
  • Major supermarket chains begin to ration toilet paper sales, after the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia triggers cases of panic buying across the country.{{cite news |title=Coronavirus: Woolworths moves to ration toilet paper as panic buying empties shelves |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/03/toilet-paper-is-trending-in-australia-heres-why |access-date=11 March 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=3 March 2020 |archive-date=10 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510042919/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/03/toilet-paper-is-trending-in-australia-heres-why |url-status=live }}
  • 11 March – Two people are killed and two others are injured following a series of stabbings in Melbourne, with the offender shot dead by police.{{cite news |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/three-killed-in-melbourne-after-stabbings-police-shoot-dead-man/f2507dd5-381d-4e13-a3a4-d38a64978db8 |title=Man who killed two people and left woman critically injured 'feared ISIS was out to kill him' |first=Richard |last=Wood |date=12 March 2020 |work=Nine News |access-date=13 March 2020 |archive-date=12 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312130416/https://www.9news.com.au/national/three-killed-in-melbourne-after-stabbings-police-shoot-dead-man/f2507dd5-381d-4e13-a3a4-d38a64978db8 |url-status=live }}
  • 13 March
  • Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces the formation of the National Cabinet, made up of the prime minister, premiers and chief ministers, to manage the lasting impacts of the pandemic.{{cite press release | title=Advice on coronavirus | website=Prime Minister of Australia | date=13 March 2020 | url=https://www.pm.gov.au/media/advice-coronavirus | access-date=10 April 2020 | archive-date=8 April 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408045851/https://www.pm.gov.au/media/advice-coronavirus | url-status=live }}
  • The 2020 Australian Grand Prix is cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news|date=13 March 2020|title=Ricciardo 'devastated' as Australian F1 Grand Prix cancelled|language=en|work=news.com.au|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/motorsport/formula-one/mclaren-withdraw-from-australian-f1-grand-prix-after-positive-coronavirus-test/news-story/059afed5a9efeb6ab30664315398b70f|access-date=13 March 2020|archive-date=13 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313041305/https://www.news.com.au/sport/motorsport/formula-one/mclaren-withdraw-from-australian-f1-grand-prix-after-positive-coronavirus-test/news-story/059afed5a9efeb6ab30664315398b70f|url-status=live}}
  • The first NRL game to be played at North Queensland Stadium is held in Townsville when more than 22,000 spectators watch the Brisbane Broncos beat the North Queensland Cowboys.{{cite news|author=|title=Brisbane Broncos beat Cowboys, Canberra Raiders beat Gold Coast Titans in NRL Round 1|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-13/nrl-raiders-vs-titans-cowboys-vs-broncos/12055564|work=ABC News|date=13 March 2020|access-date=12 June 2021|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027144148/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-13/nrl-raiders-vs-titans-cowboys-vs-broncos/12055564|url-status=live}}
  • 15 March – Morrison announces that all travellers arriving in or returning to Australia from overseas must self-isolate for 14 days, mirroring a similar requirement imposed by New Zealand.{{Cite web|url=https://7news.com.au/travel/coronavirus/australias-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-c-746159|title=Australia's coronavirus death toll rises|date=1 March 2020|website=7NEWS.com.au|language=en|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=22 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322084148/https://7news.com.au/travel/coronavirus/australias-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-c-746159|url-status=live}} Cruise ships will also be barred from docking in the country for 30 days.{{Cite news|last=Karp|first=Paul|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/15/all-overseas-arrivals-in-australia-must-self-isolate-for-14-days-amid-new-coronavirus-rules|title=All overseas arrivals in Australia must self-isolate for 14 days under new coronavirus rules|date=1 March 2020|work=The Guardian|access-date=15 March 2020|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=15 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315105650/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/15/all-overseas-arrivals-in-australia-must-self-isolate-for-14-days-amid-new-coronavirus-rules|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-15/coronavirus-covid19-self-isolation-announced-for-australia/12057772|title=Australia enforces self-isolation on overseas arrivals, lockdowns on the table|last=Borys|first=Stephanie|date=1 March 2020|website=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=15 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315082054/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-15/coronavirus-covid19-self-isolation-announced-for-australia/12057772|url-status=live}}
  • 18 March – Scott Morrison announces that all non-essential indoor gatherings of a hundred people or more will be banned. Schools, universities, workplaces and essential services such as retail stores will be exempt from the new measures.{{Cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/finance/small-business/tough-new-limits-on-pubs-clubs-restaurants-expected-amid-growing-virus-outbreak/news-story/1ed1a34d1eda2cc44afe2aa61e635339|title=tough new limits on pubs clubs restaurants amid growing virus outbreak|date=1 March 2020|website=NEWS.com.au|language=en|access-date=18 March 2020|archive-date=18 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318170134/https://www.news.com.au/finance/small-business/tough-new-limits-on-pubs-clubs-restaurants-expected-amid-growing-virus-outbreak/news-story/1ed1a34d1eda2cc44afe2aa61e635339|url-status=live}}
  • 19 March –
  • Premier of Tasmania Peter Gutwein announces that non-essential travellers arriving in Tasmania from must self-isolate for 14 days.{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-19/coronavirus-tasmanian-premier-announces-border-restrictions/12069764|title=Tasmania to enforce 'toughest border measures in the country' amid coronavirus pandemic|date=1 March 2020|website=abc.net.au|language=en|access-date=19 March 2020|archive-date=19 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319005844/https://amp.abc.net.au/article/12069764|url-status=live}}
  • Scott Morrison announces that from 20 March all non-residents will be forbidden from entering the country.{{Cite web|url=https://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-19/coronavirus-non-resident-travel-ban-australia/12071640?pfmredir=sm|title=coronavirus non resident travel ban Australia|date=1 March 2020|website=abc.net.au|language=en|access-date=19 March 2020|archive-date=10 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510042927/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-19/coronavirus-non-resident-travel-ban-australia/12071640?pfmredir=sm|url-status=live}}
  • The 2020 AFL season commences with Richmond taking on Carlton at the MCG.
  • 21 March – Chief minister of the Northern Territory, Michael Gunner announces the Northern Territory will introduce strict border controls from 4:00 pm on 24 March. Anyone arriving from interstate or overseas will have to self-isolate for 14 days.{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-21/northern-territory-strict-new-covid-19-border-laws/12078048|title=Northern Territory introduces strict new coronavirus border controls to halt COVID-19 spread|date=2 March 2020|website=abc.net.au|language=en|access-date=21 March 2020|archive-date=21 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321070947/https://amp.abc.net.au/article/12078048|url-status=live}}
  • 22 March –
  • South Australia and Western Australia also follow suit of the Northern Territory and Tasmania to close off their borders starting from Tuesday 24 March. Anyone arriving from interstate and overseas will also have to self isolate for 14 days.{{Cite web|url=https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/coronavirus-causes-temporary-closure-of-south-australian-borders-c-756758.amp|title=Coronavirus causes temporary closure of South Australian borders|last=Chapman|first=Alex|date=2 March 2020|website=7news.com.au|language=en|access-date=22 March 2020|archive-date=22 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322035301/https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/coronavirus-causes-temporary-closure-of-south-australian-borders-c-756758.amp|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/coronavirus-western-australia-to-close-its-borders-from-tuesday-covid-19/f4940453-d2bc-4f10-9199-482ee10a61c4|title=Coronavirus: WA to shut its borders to non-residents amid COVID-19 outbreak|last=Adams|first=Gabrielle|date=2 March 2020|website=9news.com.au|language=en|access-date=22 March 2020|archive-date=22 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322085333/https://amp.9news.com.au/article/f4940453-d2bc-4f10-9199-482ee10a61c4|url-status=live}}
  • Scott Morrison announces that from midday Monday 23 March all pubs, clubs, restaurants, cinemas and indoor sporting venues across the country will shut down indefinitely in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus.{{Cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/restaurants-bars/coronavirus-in-australia-everything-that-shuts-on-monday-from-pubs-to-cafes-and-cinemas/news-story/ec4d2ebf4eb9f048f6572c5a943112d8|title=Coronavirus in Australia everything that shuts on Monday from pubs to cafes and cinemas|last=Molloy|first=Shannon|date=2 March 2020|website=news.com.au|language=en|access-date=22 March 2020|archive-date=22 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322110037/https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/restaurants-bars/coronavirus-in-australia-everything-that-shuts-on-monday-from-pubs-to-cafes-and-cinemas/news-story/ec4d2ebf4eb9f048f6572c5a943112d8|url-status=live}}
  • The cruise ship {{ship||Ruby Princess}} disembarked passengers in Sydney despite several of them, and some crew, showing symptoms of coronavirus. As of 6 April 2020 at least 12 deaths and more than 700 cases of coronavirus in Australia in Australia are now linked to this incident.
  • The 2020 AFL season and 2020 AFL Women's season are suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 AFL season has been scheduled to resume on 11 June 2020.{{cite news|date=22 March 2020|title=Australia reacts to AFL's historic decision to postpone 2020 premiership|language=en|work=news.com.au|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/australia-reacts-to-afls-historic-decision-to-postpone-2020-premiership/news-story/c8c95c7be1063affb47a69c19575ed80|access-date=22 March 2020|archive-date=22 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322092327/https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/australia-reacts-to-afls-historic-decision-to-postpone-2020-premiership/news-story/c8c95c7be1063affb47a69c19575ed80|url-status=live}}
  • 23 March –
  • As a result of the indefinite closure of venues within the hospitality, tourism, leisure, fitness and entertainment industries, the Centrelink and myGov websites crashed when too many people simultaneously try to apply online for unemployment benefits. Huge lines of newly unemployed people are seen outside Centrelink offices across the country.{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/huge-queues-at-centrelink-offices-after-website-crashes-20200323-p54cxl.html|title=huge queues at Centrelink offices after website crashes.|last=Bonyhady|first=Nick|date=2 March 2020|website=Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=22 March 2020|archive-date=23 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323114625/https://amp.smh.com.au/politics/federal/huge-queues-at-centrelink-offices-after-website-crashes-20200323-p54cxl.html|url-status=live}}
  • The Australian Parliament sits to debate and pass an economic stimulus package to attempt to mitigate the economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, then adjourns until August 2020.{{cite news |title=Federal Parliament passes coronavirus economic stimulus package |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/federal-parliament-passes-coronavirus-economic-stimulus-package-20200323-p54d73.html |access-date=23 March 2020 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=23 March 2020 |language=en |archive-date=23 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323224617/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/federal-parliament-passes-coronavirus-economic-stimulus-package-20200323-p54d73.html |url-status=live }}
  • The 2020 NRL season is suspended until 28 May due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although Queensland has closed its borders, it has made an exemption for players and officials traveling to and from interstate for football. As a biosecurity measure, all players must also be vaccinated against influenza.
  • 25 March –
  • From 12pm, Australia required that Australian citizens and permanent residents seek exemptions to leave the country.{{cite act |type=Determination |index= |date=25 March 2020 |article= |article-type= |legislature=Australia |title=Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Overseas Travel Ban Emergency Requirements) Determination 2020 |page= |url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2020L00306/Html/Text |language=English}}
  • 26 March –
  • From midnight further measures and restrictions on social gatherings and certain businesses are put in place. Weddings will be limited to 5 people including the bride, groom and celebrant. Funerals will be limited to 10 people. All food court seating areas are to be closed. Social gatherings of more than 10 people are discouraged as well as house parties with police to enforce these new restrictions. Auctions that require persons to be present are now banned. Open houses within the property market are now banned. Beauty Parlours, tattoo Parlours and other businesses with the health and beauty industry that require close physical contact between individuals and are not deemed essential are now banned. Hairdressers are exempt from these new measures.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/coronavirus-community-noticeboard-what-you-need-to-know/news-story/16d24cfd6d025abcf4d16becd8b0e465|title=Coronavirus community noticeboard what you need to know|date=2 March 2020|website=dailytelegraph.com.au|language=en|access-date=25 March 2020|archive-date=25 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325081735/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/coronavirus-community-noticeboard-what-you-need-to-know/news-story/16d24cfd6d025abcf4d16becd8b0e465|url-status=live}}
  • Queensland follows other states and territories and closes its borders from midnight. Only those who work in essential services are permitted to enter. Exceptions are made for those who commute to work across the state border, such as residents of Tweed Heads.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/queensland/how-queenslands-coronavirus-border-lockdown-will-work/news-story/ed09a99996f437158c3f452ac10d9bd7?nk=81e453424e5c35af2be5c4a1512ab0ea-1737547872|title=How Queenslands coronavirus border lockdown will work|date=2 March 2020|website=couriermail.com.au|language=en|access-date=26 March 2020|archive-date=25 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325121012/https://amp.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/how-queenslands-coronavirus-border-lockdown-will-work/news-story/ed09a99996f437158c3f452ac10d9bd7|url-status=live}}
  • 28 March –
  • 2020 Bundamba state by-election
  • 2020 Currumbin state by-election
  • 31 March –
  • From midnight 31 March 2020 new national restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus are put in place through the Public Health Act 2010, via Sect 7 of the Act, where a Ministerial Order was signed by the Minister for Health, however, as it is only an order and not law it is up to the states and territories as to whether these are enforceable. The new measures include a two-person limit on public gatherings (excluding members of your own household), the banning of all indoor gatherings in households and the closure of playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms.{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadsheet.com.au/national/city-file/article/strict-new-coronavirus-measures-are-place-midnight-tonight-here-are-answers-your-questions|title=Strict New Coronavirus Measures Are in Place From Midnight Tonight – Here Are The Answers To Your Questions|date=3 March 2020|website=broadsheet.com.au|language=en|access-date=31 March 2020|archive-date=1 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401042244/https://www.broadsheet.com.au/national/city-file/article/strict-new-coronavirus-measures-are-place-midnight-tonight-here-are-answers-your-questions|url-status=live}}

=April=

  • 7 April – The High Court unanimously quashes Cardinal George Pell's convictions and substitutes verdicts of acquittal; the Court's summary of its judgment states that there was "a significant possibility that an innocent person has been convicted because the evidence did not establish guilt to the requisite standard of proof".{{cite web |url=https://cdn.hcourt.gov.au/assets/publications/judgment-summaries/2020/hca-12-2020-04-07.pdf |title=Pell v The Queen [2020] HCA 12 |website=High Court of Australia, 2020 Judgment Summaries |date=7 April 2020 |access-date=7 April 2020 |archive-date=19 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519040902/https://cdn.hcourt.gov.au/assets/publications/judgment-summaries/2020/hca-12-2020-04-07.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite AustLII|HCA|12|2020|litigants=Pell v The Queen|date=7 April 2020}}{{cite news |last=Davey |first=Melissa |url=http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/apr/07/cardinal-george-pell-conviction-quashed-australia-high-court-freed-jail-appeal-upheld |title=George Pell: Australian cardinal to be released from jail after high court quashes child sex abuse conviction |date=7 April 2020 |work=The Guardian |access-date=7 April 2020 |archive-date=7 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407005508/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/apr/07/cardinal-george-pell-conviction-quashed-australia-high-court-freed-jail-appeal-upheld |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Le Grand |first=Chip |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/pell-to-walk-free-after-high-court-overturns-conviction-20200407-p54hqe.html |title=Pell to walk free after High Court overturns conviction |date=7 April 2020 |work=Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=7 April 2020 |archive-date=7 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407012956/https://www.smh.com.au/national/pell-to-walk-free-after-high-court-overturns-conviction-20200407-p54hqe.html |url-status=live }}
  • 14 April – The City of Wagga Wagga council voted to cut ties with its China's sister city Kunming city, a week later they would vote again joining Kunming as a sister city.{{cite news | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-15/wagga-council-cuts-china-sister-city-ties-due-to-covid-19/12149664 | title=City council severs China relations over 'death and destruction across the world with COVID-19' | newspaper=ABC News | date=15 April 2020 | access-date=27 December 2022 | archive-date=16 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716064451/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-15/wagga-council-cuts-china-sister-city-ties-due-to-covid-19/12149664 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/15/wagga-wagga-severs-ties-with-chinese-sister-city-over-death-and-destruction-from-coronavirus | title=Wagga Wagga severs ties with Chinese sister city over 'death and destruction' from coronavirus | website=TheGuardian.com | date=15 April 2020 | access-date=10 May 2024 | archive-date=10 May 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510042921/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/15/wagga-wagga-severs-ties-with-chinese-sister-city-over-death-and-destruction-from-coronavirus | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-22/coronavirus-wagga-rescinds-vote-to-cut-with-china/12173476 | title=Wagga council reverses controversial decision to cut ties with Chinese sister city | newspaper=ABC News | date=22 April 2020 | access-date=10 May 2024 | archive-date=10 May 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510042922/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-22/coronavirus-wagga-rescinds-vote-to-cut-with-china/12173476 | url-status=live }}
  • 19 April – The Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is working to create a mandatory code of conduct that would require Facebook, Google and other tech giants to pay news outlets when they use its content.{{cite web |title=Australia will make Facebook and Google pay for news content |url=https://www.engadget.com/australia-mandary-code-facebook-google-222054528.html |website=Engadget |date=19 April 2020 |access-date=19 April 2020 |language=en |archive-date=20 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420030144/https://www.engadget.com/australia-mandary-code-facebook-google-222054528.html |url-status=live }}
  • 24 April – Perth Airport blocks runways with bulldozers to pressure Virgin Australia Airlines Pty Ltd to pay its $16 million debt.{{cite web |title=Perth Airport has resorted to blocking Virgin Australia planes with a bulldozer in an attempt to get the airline to pay its debt |url=https://news.yahoo.com/perth-airport-resorted-blocking-virgin-231700756.html |website=news.yahoo.com |date=24 April 2020 |access-date=26 April 2020 |archive-date=29 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429131529/https://news.yahoo.com/perth-airport-resorted-blocking-virgin-231700756.html |url-status=live }}

=May=

  • 1 May – South Hedland stabbing attack
  • 10 May – Jackie Trad resigns as Deputy Premier and Treasurer of Queensland and is replaced by Steven Miles and Cameron Dick, respectively.{{Cite web|title=Jackie Trad resigns as Queensland's Deputy Premier and Treasurer, Steven Miles and Cameron Dick to take on portfolios |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-10/queensland-premier-annastacia-palaszczuk-responds-to-jackie-trad/12231616|date=1 May 2020|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU|access-date=10 May 2020|archive-date=10 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510090026/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-10/queensland-premier-annastacia-palaszczuk-responds-to-jackie-trad/12231616|url-status=live}}
  • 19 May – A Queensland man is fined for saving the life of a whale.{{cite web |title=Australian man fined for rescuing whale from sea nets |url=https://news.yahoo.com/australian-man-fined-rescuing-whale-074016862.html |website=news.yahoo.com |access-date=19 May 2020 |archive-date=20 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520090243/https://news.yahoo.com/australian-man-fined-rescuing-whale-074016862.html |url-status=live }}
  • 26 May — Rio Tinto blows up the Juukan Gorge, a region inhabited by Australian Aborigines for 46,000 years, to expand an iron ore mine.{{cite news |title=Rio Tinto blasts 46,000-year-old Aboriginal site to expand iron ore mine |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/may/26/rio-tinto-blasts-46000-year-old-aboriginal-site-to-expand-iron-ore-mine |access-date=19 June 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=2020-05-26 |language=en |archive-date=10 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510042958/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/may/26/rio-tinto-blasts-46000-year-old-aboriginal-site-to-expand-iron-ore-mine |url-status=live }} The move quickly faces international backlash.{{cite news |title=Juukan Gorge traditional owners demand a say on Rio Tinto iron ore mine |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/may/18/juukan-gorge-traditional-owners-demand-a-say-on-rio-tinto-iron-ore-mine |access-date=19 June 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=2021-05-18 |language=en |archive-date=10 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510044644/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/may/18/juukan-gorge-traditional-owners-demand-a-say-on-rio-tinto-iron-ore-mine |url-status=live }}
  • 28 May – After a 2-month season suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 NRL season resumes in its third round, with Parramatta Eels defeating Brisbane Broncos 34–6 at Suncorp Stadium.

=June=

  • 6 June –
  • Protests are held in numerous Australian cities, part of a series of George Floyd protests around the world, with Aboriginal deaths in custody also a focus in the Australian context.{{cite news |last1=Henriques-Gomes |first1=Luke |last2=Visontay |first2=Elias |title=Australian Black Lives Matter protests: tens of thousands demand end to Indigenous deaths in custody |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jun/06/australian-black-lives-matter-protests-tens-of-thousands-demand-end-to-indigenous-deaths-in-custody |access-date=7 June 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=7 June 2020 |archive-date=10 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510044424/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jun/06/australian-black-lives-matter-protests-tens-of-thousands-demand-end-to-indigenous-deaths-in-custody |url-status=live }}
  • Sony Europe, the parent company of Sony Australia, is ordered by the Federal Court of Australia to pay its customers $3.5 million AUD / $2.4 Million USD in penalty charges, due to lawmakers saying the company made "false and misleading representations on its website and in dealings with Australian consumers about their Australian Consumer Law (ACL) rights."{{cite news |last= Lucas |first= Marco |date= 6 June 2020 |title= PlayStation Ordered By Federal Court In Australia To Settle $2.4 million Fine |url= https://www.ibtimes.com/playstation-ordered-federal-court-australia-settle-24-million-fine-2988736 |work= International Business Times (IBTimes) |access-date= 7 June 2020 |archive-date= 7 June 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200607031552/https://www.ibtimes.com/playstation-ordered-federal-court-australia-settle-24-million-fine-2988736 |url-status= live }}{{cite news |last= O'Connor |first= James |date= 6 June 2020 |title= Sony Must Pay $2.4 Million Over PlayStation Refund Policy In Australia |url= https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-must-pay-24-million-over-playstation-refund-p/1100-6478081/ |work= GameSpot |access-date= 7 June 2020 |archive-date= 7 June 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200607031552/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-must-pay-24-million-over-playstation-refund-p/1100-6478081/ |url-status= live }}
  • 11 June – The 2020 AFL season resumes with Collingwood taking on Richmond at the MCG.
  • 19 June – A large-scale cyber attack against the Australian government is believed to have occurred; Scott Morrison holds a press conference at the Parliament House.{{Cite web|date=1 June 2020|title=Australia hit by massive cyber attack|url=https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/hacking/australian-government-and-private-sector-reportedly-hit-by-massive-cyber-attack/news-story/b570a8ab68574f42f553fc901fa7d1e9|access-date=18 June 2020|website=NewsComAu|language=en|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619000519/https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/hacking/australian-government-and-private-sector-reportedly-hit-by-massive-cyber-attack/news-story/b570a8ab68574f42f553fc901fa7d1e9|url-status=live}}
  • 26 June – As part of an Australian Security Intelligence Organisation investigation, Australian federal police raided properties of NSW Labor MP Shaoquett Moselmane as part of an investigation into Chinese Communist Party influence in Australian politics.{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/nsw-mp-s-sydney-home-raided-as-asio-probes-china-links-20200626-p556f6.html |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=26 June 2020 |first1=Nick |last1=McKenzie |first2=Joel |last2=Tozer |title=NSW MP's Sydney home raided as ASIO probes China links |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-date=28 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628232913/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/nsw-mp-s-sydney-home-raided-as-asio-probes-china-links-20200626-p556f6.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/australianz/aussie-lawmaker-targeted-in-china-spy-raid-insists-innocence |newspaper=The Straits Times |title=Aussie lawmaker targeted in China spy raid insists innocence |date=29 June 2020 |author=Agence France-Presse |quote=Police and intelligence agents raided the home and office of New South Wales state legislator Shaoquett Moselmane at dawn on Friday (June 26), part of a months-long investigation into foreign political interference. |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-date=7 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707052812/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/australianz/aussie-lawmaker-targeted-in-china-spy-raid-insists-innocence |url-status=live }}
  • 27 June – More than 100 News Corp Australia newspapers are printed for the final time as the company either moves them to an online only format, or closes them completely.{{cite news|last1=Hendry|first1=Megan|last2=Semmler|first2=Erin|date=26 June 2020|title=News Corp printing presses roll one last time as more than 100 newspapers go online|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-26/news-corp-printing-press-staff-mark-final-print-run-newspapers/12379718|work=ABC News|access-date=12 June 2021|archive-date=17 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717045232/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-26/news-corp-printing-press-staff-mark-final-print-run-newspapers/12379718|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Gribbin|first1=Caitlyn|last2=Faa|first2=Marian|date=28 May 2020|title=Regional Australia laments loss of print as News Corp titles go digital|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-28/news-corp-makes-regional-papers-digital-only/12295408|work=ABC News|access-date=12 June 2021|archive-date=12 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612064722/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-28/news-corp-makes-regional-papers-digital-only/12295408|url-status=live}}

=July=

  • 1 July – 2020 Eden-Monaro by-election. The Labor party retains the seat after Kristy McBain claimed victory in the by-election with an indicative two-party-preferred vote of 50.4%.{{cite news|date=5 July 2020|title=Labor's Kristy McBain claims victory in Eden-Monaro byelection|language=en|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/05/labors-kristy-mcbain-claims-victory-in-eden-monaro-byelection|access-date=5 July 2020|archive-date=10 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510044532/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/05/labors-kristy-mcbain-claims-victory-in-eden-monaro-byelection|url-status=live}}{{cite news|date=4 July 2020|title=Labor to win Eden-Monaro by-election thanks to preference flows: Antony Green|language=en-AU|work=www.abc.net.au|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-04/eden-monaro-by-election-results-for-labor-and-liberal-candidates/12422736|access-date=5 July 2020|archive-date=5 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705015642/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-04/eden-monaro-by-election-results-for-labor-and-liberal-candidates/12422736|url-status=live}}
  • 8 July –
  • In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Victorian capital city of Melbourne and nearby Shire of Mitchell reintroduce stage three restrictions for at least six weeks after a surge in coronavirus case numbers with the majority of new cases stemming from community transmission. All other states and territories introduce strict quarantine measures or deny entry for any incoming travellers who have recently visited Victoria.{{cite news|date=8 July 2020|title=Where is Melbourne's lockdown boundary line|language=en|work=the Age|url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/where-is-melbourne-s-lockdown-boundary-line-20200708-p55a6y.html|access-date=9 July 2020|archive-date=8 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708172912/https://amp.theage.com.au/national/victoria/where-is-melbourne-s-lockdown-boundary-line-20200708-p55a6y.html|url-status=live}}
  • The border between New South Wales and Victoria is closed for the first time since the 1918–19 Spanish flu pandemic, after an increase in COVID-19 cases in Melbourne.{{cite news|date=8 July 2020|title=hours-long queues as more than 50,000 cross NSW-Victoria border after closure|language=en|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/08/hours-long-queues-as-more-than-50000-cross-nsw-victoria-border-after-covid-19-closure|access-date=9 July 2020|archive-date=10 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510044656/https://amp.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/08/hours-long-queues-as-more-than-50000-cross-nsw-victoria-border-after-covid-19-closure|url-status=live}}
  • 15 July – An increase in COVID-19 community transmission cases in Sydney is traced back to a resident of Melbourne who traveled across the border before the Melbourne stage 3 restrictions came into effect with the initial outbreak arising from a hotel in the Western Sydney suburb of Casula. Despite the rise in case numbers, premier Gladys Berejiklian confirms NSW will not be going back to a lockdown scenario. Several other states and territories introduce strict quarantine measures or deny entry for any incoming travellers who have either recently visited greater Sydney or suburbs within the City of Liverpool, City of Fairfield and City of Campbelltown.{{cite news|date=15 July 2020|title=Coronavirus NSW: Crossroads Hotel outbreak linked to Victoria via genomic testing|language=en|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/15/coronavirus-nsw-crossroads-hotel-casula-pub-outbreak-victoria-genomic-testing-john-barilaro-covid-19-update|access-date=15 July 2020|archive-date=10 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510044534/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/15/coronavirus-nsw-crossroads-hotel-casula-pub-outbreak-victoria-genomic-testing-john-barilaro-covid-19-update|url-status=live}}
  • 16 July – Tara June Winch wins the 2020 Miles Franklin Literary Award for her novel The Yield.{{cite news|date=16 July 2020|title=Miles Franklin won by Wiradjuri author Tara June Winch for novel of family, history and language|language=en-AU|work=www.abc.net.au|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-16/miles-franklin-winner-tara-june-winch-the-yield-wiradjuri/12459046|access-date=16 July 2020|archive-date=7 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907101624/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-16/miles-franklin-winner-tara-june-winch-the-yield-wiradjuri/12459046|url-status=live}}
  • 17 July – Victoria records 428 new coronavirus cases, the state's highest daily total since the beginning of the pandemic.{{cite news|date=17 July 2020|title='A daily tragedy': Three deaths as Victoria reaches high of 428 new coronavirus cases|language=en|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/victoria/three-more-deaths-as-victoria-reaches-high-of-428-new-coronavirus-cases-20200717-p55czg.html|access-date=17 July 2020|archive-date=18 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718001109/https://www.smh.com.au/national/victoria/three-more-deaths-as-victoria-reaches-high-of-428-new-coronavirus-cases-20200717-p55czg.html|url-status=live}}
  • 19 July – With increasing numbers of coronavirus cases in parts of Victoria, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews advises face coverings will be mandatory for all residents of Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire whenever they leave their homes from Thursday 23 July. Anyone in a public area without a mask will risk a $200 fine.{{cite news|date=17 July 2020|title='Face masks to be mandatory in Melbourne from this week amid coronavirus spike|language=en|work=Nine News|url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/coronavirus-melbourne-masks-to-be-mandatory-from-thursday/71aa26f5-405c-43b3-8486-60153d28a120|access-date=19 July 2020|archive-date=19 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719103146/https://amp.9news.com.au/article/71aa26f5-405c-43b3-8486-60153d28a120|url-status=live}}
  • 22 July – Australia records 502 new coronavirus cases. The highest number of new cases recorded since the beginning of the pandemic.{{cite news |title=Australia records highest daily number of coronavirus cases, surpassing March record |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-22/australia-records-highest-daily-number-of-coronavirus-cases/12481762 |access-date=23 July 2020 |work=ABC News |date=23 July 2020 |language=en-AU |archive-date=22 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722190447/https://amp.abc.net.au/article/12481762 |url-status=live }}
  • 23 July – Leonard Warwick is found guilty of carrying out the Family Court of Australia attacks in the early 1980s.{{cite news |title=Family court bomber found guilty of 1980s murders |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-23/leonard-warwick-family-court-bomber-found-guilty/12483286 |access-date=23 July 2020 |work=ABC News |date=23 July 2020 |language=en-AU |archive-date=23 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723070650/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-23/leonard-warwick-family-court-bomber-found-guilty/12483286 |url-status=live }}
  • 29 July – CSIRO gave scientific names to 165 new species this year, naming five flies after Marvel Cinematic Universe superheroes: Thor (Daptolestes bronteflavus), Loki (Daptolestes illusiolautus), Black Widow (Daptolestes feminategus), Deadpool (Humorolethalis sergius), and Stan Lee (Daptolestes leei).{{cite web |last1=Yeung |first1=Jessie |title=Australia names new species after Deadpool, Thor, and other Marvel favorites |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/29/australia/australia-marvel-flies-intl-hnk-scli-scn/index.html |website=CNN |date=29 July 2020 |access-date=6 August 2020 |archive-date=4 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804152604/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/29/australia/australia-marvel-flies-intl-hnk-scli-scn/index.html |url-status=live }}

=August=

  • 2 August – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating numbers of infection rates, especially in the workplace, Victoria declares a state of disaster and stage four restrictions are put in place. This including a police-enforced curfew in metro Melbourne and Mitchell Shire between 8 pm and 5 am, the shutdown of a number of non-essential businesses, exercise only allowed for one hour a day and only one person per household allowed to go shopping once a day and within a 5 km radius of home. As a consequence of rising infection numbers imported from metropolitan Melbourne all other areas of regional Victoria are to enter stage three restrictions previously placed on Melbourne and Mitchell Shire on 5 August.{{cite news|title='Shock and awe': Victoria declares state of disaster, six-week Melbourne curfew and stage four restrictions|url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/victoria-state-of-disaster-melbourne-curfew-introduced-coronavirus-stage-4-lockdown-restrictions-what-they-mean/2e508cdb-6cfe-4a6f-ad80-52af9601435a|access-date=2 August 2020|work=nine News|date=2 August 2020|language=en-AU|archive-date=2 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802064513/https://amp.9news.com.au/article/2e508cdb-6cfe-4a6f-ad80-52af9601435a|url-status=live}}
  • 10 August – Parkes Observatory is added to the National Heritage List.{{cite news |last1=Furlong |first1=Caitlin |last2=Woodburn |first2=Joanne |title=CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope – The Dish – added to National Heritage List |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-10/parkes-radio-telescope-the-dish-on-national-heritage-list/12540760 |access-date=11 August 2020 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=10 August 2020 |archive-date=10 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810112750/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-10/parkes-radio-telescope-the-dish-on-national-heritage-list/12540760 |url-status=live }}
  • 12 August – World War II sailor Teddy Sheean is posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.{{cite news |title='Stuff of legend': Queen approves Victoria Cross for WWII hero Teddy Sheean |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-12/teddy-sheean-victoria-cross-approved-by-queen/12550210 |access-date=12 August 2020 |work=ABC News |date=12 August 2020 |language=en-AU |archive-date=9 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009150237/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-12/teddy-sheean-victoria-cross-approved-by-queen/12550210 |url-status=live }}
  • 22 August – 2020 Northern Territory general election: Michael Gunner's Labor government is returned for a second four-year term.{{cite news |title=NT election 2020: How the seats fell, and the six key electorates still to be decided |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-25/nt-election-how-the-seats-fell-and-what-happens-now/12590840 |access-date=26 August 2020 |work=ABC News |date=24 August 2020 |language=en-AU |archive-date=26 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826000232/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-25/nt-election-how-the-seats-fell-and-what-happens-now/12590840 |url-status=live }}

=September=

  • 2 September – The Australian economy goes into recession for the first time in nearly thirty years, as the country's GDP falls 7 per cent in the June quarter.{{cite news |last1=Kwai |first1=Isabella |title=Australia's First Recession in Decades Signals Tougher Times to Come |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/02/business/australia-recession.html |access-date=22 September 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=2 September 2020 |archive-date=18 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118165038/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/02/business/australia-recession.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Australia's recession in seven graphs |url=https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/australia-s-recession-in-five-graphs-20200902-p55rkw |access-date=22 September 2020 |work=Australian Financial Review |date=2 September 2020 |language=en |archive-date=22 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922213925/https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/australia-s-recession-in-five-graphs-20200902-p55rkw |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title='Economy held together with duct tape' as Australia officially enters recession |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-02/australian-recession-confirmed-as-economy-shrinks-in-june-qtr/12619950 |access-date=22 September 2020 |work=ABC News |date=2 September 2020 |language=en-AU |archive-date=11 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111062510/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-02/australian-recession-confirmed-as-economy-shrinks-in-june-qtr/12619950 |url-status=live }}
  • 21 September – Around 250 pilot whales beach themselves at various locations on Tasmania's West Coast near Macquarie Heads. A further 200 whales are stranded two days later, making the event the largest cetacean stranding in Australia's recorded history.{{cite news |title=Tasmanian whale tragedy becomes Australia's worst as rescue set to turn to carcass disposal |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-23/west-coast-pilot-whale-stranding-largest-beaching-in-tasmania/12691020 |access-date=23 September 2020 |work=ABC News |date=22 September 2020 |language=en-AU |archive-date=9 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309131705/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-23/west-coast-pilot-whale-stranding-largest-beaching-in-tasmania/12691020 |url-status=live }}
  • 25 September – Vincent Namatjira wins the Archibald Prize for his portrait, Stand strong for who you are, a self-portrait with Adam Goodes.{{Cite web|title=Archibald Prize Archibald 2020 finalist: Stand strong for who you are by Vincent Namatjira|url=https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/prizes/archibald/2020/30235/|access-date=2020-09-25|website=Art Gallery of New South Wales|archive-date=10 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510044638/https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/prizes/archibald/2020/30235/|url-status=live}}
  • 27 September – Penrith Panthers win their first minor premiership since 2003 following the final main round of the 2020 NRL season. Brisbane Broncos finish in last position, claiming their first wooden spoon since the club's founding in 1988.

=October=

=November=

  • 4 November – Queensland defeat New South Wales 18–14 at Adelaide Oval in the first match of the 2020 State of Origin series. Queensland halfback and captain Daly Cherry-Evans is awarded man of the match.
  • 11 November – New South Wales defeat Queensland 34–10 at ANZ Stadium in the second match of the 2020 State of Origin series. NSW halfback Nathan Cleary is awarded man of the match.
  • 13 November – Queensland defeat New South Wales 24–18 in the 2020 Women's State of Origin match, their first victory since 2014. Queensland five-eighth Tarryn Aiken is awarded the Nellie Doherty Medal for player of the match.{{cite news |last=Brunsdon |first=Simon |title=Maroons bash Blues to win first Women's Origin title as young gun scores thrilling double |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/state-of-origin/state-of-origin-2020-womens-live-maroons-vs-blues-blog-stream-how-to-watch-time-videos-updates-scores/news-story/b72f1e6bbca851715b3c0b46a778c175 |access-date=13 November 2020 |work=Fox Sports |date=13 November 2020 |language=en-AU |archive-date=10 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510045507/https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/state-of-origin/state-of-origin-2020-womens-live-maroons-vs-blues-blog-stream-how-to-watch-time-videos-updates-scores/news-story/b72f1e6bbca851715b3c0b46a778c175 |url-status=live }}
  • 18 November – Queensland clinch the 2020 State of Origin series, defeating New South Wales 20–14 at Suncorp Stadium in the third match. Queensland five-eighth Cameron Munster is awarded both man of the match and the Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series.
  • 19 November – The Australian Defence Force releases the final report of the inquiry by Justice Paul Brereton into alleged war crimes during the War in Afghanistan. The inquiry found there was credible evidence of 23 incidents of unlawful killings and a further two instances of the war crime of "cruel treatment". The inquiry also found that Australian soldiers summarily executed non-combatants and prisoners.{{cite news |last1=McKenzie |first1=Nick |last2=Galloway |first2=Anthony |last3=Masters |first3=Chris |title=Australian special forces soldiers committed up to 39 murders: ADF report |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/australian-special-forces-soldiers-committed-up-to-39-murders-adf-report-20201110-p56dek.html |access-date=19 November 2020 |work=Sydney Morning Herald |date=19 November 2020 |archive-date=19 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119002331/https://www.smh.com.au/national/australian-special-forces-soldiers-committed-up-to-39-murders-adf-report-20201110-p56dek.html |url-status=live }}

=December=

  • 18 December – The 2020 Sydney to Hobart yacht race is cancelled for the first time in its history due to an outbreak of COVID-19 in Sydney, New South Wales, as the Tasmanian government declared Greater Sydney a "medium risk" zone, which would require all participants to quarantine for 14 days on arrival in Tasmania.{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-19/sydney-to-hobart-yacht-race-cancelled-due-to-nsw-coronavirus/13001142|title=Sydney to Hobart yacht race cancelled due to NSW coronavirus outbreak|website=ABC News|date=19 December 2020|access-date=19 December 2020|archive-date=19 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219101250/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-19/sydney-to-hobart-yacht-race-cancelled-due-to-nsw-coronavirus/13001142|url-status=live}}
  • 19 December – In response to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney, all other states and territories close their borders to all residents of greater Sydney, throwing interstate travel plans into chaos for those intent on visiting or leaving greater Sydney. The Northern Territory later relaxes its border restriction.{{cite news|url=https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/coronavirus-nsw-what-northern-beaches-outbreak-means-for-christmas-borders/news-story/9baecf89ee4b11c5b6a63fa9525d00d9|title=NSW What northern beaches outbreak means for Christmas borders|website=news.com.au|date=19 December 2020|access-date=19 December 2020|archive-date=18 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218220650/https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/coronavirus-nsw-what-northern-beaches-outbreak-means-for-christmas-borders/news-story/9baecf89ee4b11c5b6a63fa9525d00d9|url-status=live}}
  • 21 December – The final report from the inquiry into Victoria's botched hotel quarantine program which led to a second wave of COVID-19 in Victoria and over 800 deaths is released. The report is unable to determine who commissioned the use of private security and criticises the Andrews Government for failing to do "proper analysis" of the plan.{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-21/final-victorian-hotel-quarantine-inquiry-report-released/13002882|title=Victorian hotel quarantine inquiry report unable to determine who made private security decision|date=21 December 2020|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=27 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227210525/https://amp.abc.net.au/article/13002882|url-status=live}}

Arts and literature

{{main|2020 in Australian literature}}

  • Tara June Winch wins the Miles Franklin Literary Award for the novel The Yield{{Cite web|date=2020-07-16|title=Winch wins 2020 Miles Franklin for 'The Yield'|url=https://www.booksandpublishing.com.au/articles/2020/07/16/153760/winch-wins-2020-miles-franklin-for-the-yield/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716090245/https://www.booksandpublishing.com.au/articles/2020/07/16/153760/winch-wins-2020-miles-franklin-for-the-yield/ |archive-date=16 July 2020 |access-date=2020-07-16|website=Books+Publishing|language=en-AU}} and the Best Novel Award at the Prime Minister's Literary Awards{{Cite web|date=2020-12-10|title=Prime Minister's Literary Awards 2020 winners announced|url=https://www.booksandpublishing.com.au/articles/2020/12/10/160773/prime-ministers-literary-awards-2020-winners-announced/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209220418/https://www.booksandpublishing.com.au/articles/2020/12/10/160773/prime-ministers-literary-awards-2020-winners-announced/ |archive-date=9 December 2020 |access-date=2020-12-10|website=Books+Publishing|language=en-AU}}

Television

{{main|2020 in Australian television}}

Deaths

{{Main|Deaths in 2020}}

{{Further|:Category:2020 deaths}}

= January =

File:Mark Harris, 2015 (cropped).jpg]]

File:Barry Tuckwell (BT03) (Photographer=Terry Lane).jpg]]

File:Manfred Clynes larger.gif]]

File:Ian Tuxworth, NT Chief Minister.jpg]]

= February =

File:Lenox Hewitt 1961-01.jpg]]

= March =

File:Ray Wedgewood 001 B W 300802 4923.jpg]]

File:Dr Catherine Hamlin (cropped).jpg]]

File:John Davies swimmer.jpg]]

File:Caoili arianne 20081121 olympiade dresden.jpg]]

File:Runner Jim Bailey 1956.jpg]]

  • 1 March – May Lorna O'Brien, educator and author (b. 1932)
  • 2 March – Bob Christie, New South Wales politician (b. 1925)
  • 4 March
  • Ivan Lee, Anglican bishop (b. 1955 or 1956)
  • Bill Young, Australian rules footballer (St Kilda) (b. 1931)
  • 5 March – Ray Wedgwood, engineer (b. 1942)
  • 6 March – Silvia Smith, Tasmanian politician (b. 1939){{cite news |last1=Maloney |first1=Matt |title=Former voice for the North dies |url=https://www.examiner.com.au/story/6672488/former-voice-for-the-north-dies/ |access-date=5 June 2020 |work=The Examiner |date=10 March 2020 |language=en |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605064129/https://www.examiner.com.au/story/6672488/former-voice-for-the-north-dies/ |url-status=live }}
  • 7 March – Eremein, thoroughbred (b. 2001)
  • 9 March
  • John Bathersby, Catholic bishop (b. 1936){{cite web |url=https://catholicleader.com.au/news/brisbane-archdioceses-former-shepherd-archbishop-john-bathersby-has-died-aged-84 |title=Brisbane Archdiocese's former shepherd Archbishop John Bathersby has died aged 83 |last=Higgins |first=Joe |date=9 March 2020 |publisher=The Catholic Leader |access-date=10 March 2020 |archive-date=6 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406135702/https://catholicleader.com.au/news/brisbane-archdioceses-former-shepherd-archbishop-john-bathersby-has-died-aged-84 |url-status=live }}
  • John Schneebichler, Australian rules footballer (b. 1958)
  • 10 March – Sanford Wheeler, Australian rules footballer (died in the United States) (b. 1970)
  • 12 March
  • Kevin Bacon, Olympic equestrian (b. 1932){{cite news|url=https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/equestrian-world-pays-tribute-to-legendary-australian-showjumper-709791|title=Equestrian world pays tribute to legendary Australian showjumper|date=13 March 2020|access-date=14 March 2020|publisher=Horse and Hound|first1=Becky|last1=Murray|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029080504/https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/equestrian-world-pays-tribute-to-legendary-australian-showjumper-709791|url-status=live}}
  • Don Burrows, jazz musician (b. 1928){{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/jazz/features/specials/don-burrows-obituary/12053490|title=Remembering Don Burrows (1928–2020)|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|first1=Henry|last1=Rasmussen|date=13 March 2020|access-date=14 March 2020|archive-date=14 March 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200314160810/https://www.abc.net.au/jazz/features/specials/don-burrows-obituary/12053490|url-status=live}}
  • 16 March
  • Saskia Post, actress (b. 1961){{cite news |title='Dogs In Space' Star Passes Away |url=https://themusic.com.au/news/dogs-space-star-saskia-post-passes-away/HRQFMTAzMjU/18-03-20/ |access-date=18 March 2020 |work=The Music |date=18 March 2020 |archive-date=18 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318050558/https://themusic.com.au/news/dogs-space-star-saskia-post-passes-away/HRQFMTAzMjU/18-03-20/ |url-status=live }}
  • Susan R. Wilson, statistician (b. 1948)
  • 17 March – Helen Isobel Aston, botanist (b. 1934)
  • 18 March
  • Catherine Hamlin, obstetrician and gynaecologist (b. 1924){{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/catherine-hamlin-the-saint-of-addis-ababa-dies-at-96-20200319-p54bpg.html|title=Catherine Hamlin, 'Saint of Addis Ababa', dies at 96|last=Barlass|first=Tim|date=2020-03-19|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2020-03-19|archive-date=19 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319235038/https://www.smh.com.au/national/catherine-hamlin-the-saint-of-addis-ababa-dies-at-96-20200319-p54bpg.html|url-status=live}}
  • John Solomon, rugby union player (b. 1929)
  • 20 March – Denise Bradley, academic administrator (b. 1942){{cite web |title=Celebrating our champion of education and equity Professor Denise Bradley |url=https://www.unisa.edu.au/Media-Centre/Releases/2020/celebrating-our-champion-of-education-and-equity--professor-denise-bradley/ |publisher=UniSA |access-date=20 March 2020 |archive-date=21 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321123622/https://www.unisa.edu.au/Media-Centre/Releases/2020/celebrating-our-champion-of-education-and-equity--professor-denise-bradley/ |url-status=live }}
  • 23 March – Keith Remington, Victorian politician (b. 1923)
  • 24 March
  • John Davies, Olympic swimmer and judge (died in the United States) (b. 1929)
  • Jack Jones, Australian rules footballer (b. 1924){{cite news |last1=Colangelo |first1=Anthony |title=Essendon legend Jack Jones dies aged 95 |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/essendon-legend-jack-jones-dies-aged-95-20200325-p54dnj.html |access-date=26 March 2020 |work=The Age |date=24 March 2020 |language=en |archive-date=10 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510045624/https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/essendon-legend-jack-jones-dies-aged-95-20200325-p54dnj.html |url-status=live }}
  • Ian Reay Mackay, immunologist (b. 1922)
  • Tom McNeil, Western Australian politician and Australian rules footballer (St. Kilda) (born in the United Kingdom) (b. 1929)
  • 26 March
  • John Hyde, Australian rules footballer (Geelong) (b. 1930)
  • Carl Kirkwood, Victorian politician (born in the United Kingdom) (b. 1929)
  • Michael J. Tyler, herpetologist (born in the United Kingdom) (b. 1937)
  • 28 March – George Corones, swimmer (b. 1918)
  • 30 March
  • Arianne Caoili, chess player (born in the Philippines) (b. 1986)
  • Milutin Knežević, Bishop of the Eparchy of Australia and New Zealand (died in Serbia) (b. 1949)
  • 31 March – Jim Bailey, Olympic athlete (died in the United States) (b. 1929)

=April=

File:Hon. Andrea Mitchell MLA.jpg]]

File:BobMayHarvard.jpg]]

=May=

File:Mikell in 2017 bw.jpg]]

File:Ashley Cooper 1958.jpg]]

File:Bobby Dimond 1948.jpg]]

  • 1 May – Deb Foskey, Australian Capital Territory politician (b. 1949)
  • 5 May – Max Crellin, Victorian politician (b. 1933)
  • 6 May – Darby McCarthy, jockey (b. 1944)
  • 7 May – Margaret Loutit, microbiologist (died in New Zealand) (b. 1929)
  • 9 May – Arthur Dignam, actor (b. 1939)
  • 10 May – Jack Mundey, trade union leader and environmental activist (b. 1929){{Cite web|title=Union leader Jack Mundey dies aged 90 |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-11/jack-mundey-dies-age-90/12233542|date=2020-05-10|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU|access-date=2020-05-11|archive-date=10 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510230846/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-11/jack-mundey-dies-age-90/12233542|url-status=live}}
  • 12 May
  • John Beattie, Tasmanian politician (b. 1932)
  • George Mikell, actor and writer (born in Lithuania and died in the United Kingdom) (b. 1929)
  • Farzad Sharifian, linguist (born in Iran) (b. 1964)
  • 13 May
  • Francis Andersen, scholar (b. 1925)
  • Keith Lyons, sport scientist (born in the United Kingdom) (b. 1952)
  • John O'Brien, Olympic water polo player (b. 1931)
  • 14 May – Ray Land, Olympic sprinter (b. 1930)
  • 16 May – Arthur Summons, dual-code rugby international (b. 1935){{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/farewell-arthur-summons-the-tiny-half-who-became-a-giant-of-the-game-20200517-p54tqb.html |title=Farewell Arthur Summons, the tiny half who became a giant of the game |first=Roy |last=Masters |author-link=Roy Masters (rugby league) |date=17 May 2020 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=17 May 2020 |archive-date=17 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517231550/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/farewell-arthur-summons-the-tiny-half-who-became-a-giant-of-the-game-20200517-p54tqb.html |url-status=live }}
  • 20 May
  • Trevor Stewart, cricketer (b. 1940)
  • Hector Thompson, boxer (b. 1949)
  • 22 May
  • Peter Harold Cole, electrical engineer (b. 1936)
  • Ashley Cooper, tennis player (b. 1936){{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-22/australian-tennis-great-ashley-cooper-dies/12278092 |title=Australian tennis great and former Wimbledon champion Ashley Cooper dies 83 |agency=AAP |date=22 May 2020 |website=abc.net.au |access-date=22 May 2020 |archive-date=22 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522140404/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-22/australian-tennis-great-ashley-cooper-dies/12278092 |url-status=live }}
  • 24 May – Bruce Reid, Victorian politician (b. 1935){{Cite web|title=A legend lost: Former Bendigo politician Bruce Reid mourned|url=https://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/6770524/a-legend-lost-former-bendigo-politician-bruce-reid-mourned/|date=2020-05-27|website=www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au|language=en-AU|access-date=31 May 2020|archive-date=10 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610072541/https://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/6770524/a-legend-lost-former-bendigo-politician-bruce-reid-mourned/|url-status=live}}
  • 26 May – Geoff Kerr, Australian rules footballer (St Kilda) (b. 1925)
  • 28 May
  • Jock Blair, television writer and producer (b. 1942)
  • Jim Brown, Western Australian politician (b. 1927)
  • 30 May
  • John Cole, geographer (died in the United Kingdom) (b. 1928)
  • Bobby Dimond, rugby league footballer (b. 1930)
  • Bob Hammond, footballer and coach (b. 1942){{cite news |title=Football mourns top SANFL player, coach and AFL administrator Bob Hammond |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-31/bob-hammond-dies-aged-78-afl-sanfl/12304862 |access-date=1 June 2020 |work=ABC News |date=31 May 2020 |language=en-AU |archive-date=31 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200531094411/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-31/bob-hammond-dies-aged-78-afl-sanfl/12304862 |url-status=live }}

=June=

File:Geoffrey Burnstock.png]]

File:Noel Kelly.jpg]]

File:JM 2010.jpg]]

File:Michael Falzon, photograph by Gavin D. Andrew Studio Portrait.jpg]]

  • 1 June – Douglas Rolfe, cricketer (b. 1953)
  • 2 June
  • Geoffrey Burnstock, neurobiologist (born in the United Kingdom) (b. 1929)
  • John Cuneo, Olympic sailor (b. 1928){{cite news |title=Olympic champion John Cuneo won gold with borrowed sails |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/olympics/olympic-champion-john-cuneo-won-gold-with-borrowed-sails/news-story/4000146c1504d9a7dfcf20ed2284fb45 |access-date=7 June 2020 |work=The Australian |date=4 June 2020 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200605115704/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/olympics/olympic-champion-john-cuneo-won-gold-with-borrowed-sails/news-story/4000146c1504d9a7dfcf20ed2284fb45 |url-status=live }}
  • Desmond Charles Moore, Catholic bishop (b. 1926)
  • 5 June – Andrew Riemer, literary critic and author (b. 1936){{Cite web|date=2020-06-13|title=Andrew Peter Riemer – Death Notice|url=https://tributes.smh.com.au/obituaries/131347/andrew-peter-riemer/?r=https://tributes.smh.com.au/obituaries/smh-au/search/?Query=Andrew%20Peter%20Riemer|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-20|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920212118/https://tributes.smh.com.au/obituaries/131347/andrew-peter-riemer/?r=https://tributes.smh.com.au/obituaries/smh-au/search/?Query=Andrew%20Peter%20Riemer |archive-date=20 September 2021 }}
  • 8 June – Maggie Fitzgibbon, actress and singer (b. 1929)
  • 10 June – Jesse Blackadder, novelist, screenwriter and journalist (b. 1964){{cite web|last1=Moran|first1=Robert|title=Award-winning author Jesse Blackadder dies, aged 56|url=https://www.smh.com.au/culture/books/award-winning-author-jesse-blackadder-dies-aged-56-20200612-p5522d.html|access-date=4 July 2020|website=Sydney Morning Herald|date=12 June 2020|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630013756/https://www.smh.com.au/culture/books/award-winning-author-jesse-blackadder-dies-aged-56-20200612-p5522d.html|url-status=live}}
  • 11 June – Sir Clem Renouf, Rotary International president (b. 1921){{cite web |title=Clem Renouf, the RI president who inspired Rotary's polio eradication efforts, dies |url=https://www.rotary.org/en/clem-renouf-ri-president-who-inspired-rotarys-polio-eradication-efforts-dies |publisher=Rotary |access-date=7 July 2020 |archive-date=7 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707091723/https://www.rotary.org/en/clem-renouf-ri-president-who-inspired-rotarys-polio-eradication-efforts-dies |url-status=live }}
  • 12 June – Geoffrey Martin, Australian rules footballer (b. 1927)
  • 14 June
  • Don Candy, tennis player (b. 1929)
  • Noel Kelly, rugby league footballer (b. 1936)
  • 16 June – John Madigan, Victorian politician (b. 1966){{Cite web|last=Harris|first=Rob|date=2020-06-16|title='A true original': Former DLP senator John Madigan dies, aged 53|url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/a-true-original-former-dlp-senator-john-madigan-dies-aged-53-20200616-p5535j.html|access-date=2020-06-16|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|archive-date=16 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616094130/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/a-true-original-former-dlp-senator-john-madigan-dies-aged-53-20200616-p5535j.html|url-status=live}}
  • 17 June – Harold David Anderson, public servant and diplomat (b. 1923)
  • 19 June
  • Malcolm Brooks, New South Wales politician (b. 1930)
  • Kevin Leahy, Western Australian politician (b. 1949)
  • 20 June – John White, Tasmanian politician (b. 1942)
  • 21 June
  • Manny Santos, Olympic weightlifter (b. 1935)
  • Sam Sarin, fisherman (born in Yugoslavia) (b. 1936)
  • 23 June – Michael Falzon, musical theatre actor (b. 1972)
  • 24 June – Roger Johnston, Victorian politician (b. 1930)
  • 25 June
  • Owen Harries, academic and magazine editor (born in the United Kingdom) (b. 1930)
  • John Kennedy Sr., Australian rules football player and coach (Hawthorn, North Melbourne) (b. 1928)
  • 28 June – Matthew Morris, New South Wales politician (b. 1969)
  • 29 June
  • Kevin Pay, Australian rules footballer (Collingwood) (b. 1939)
  • Ken Shadie, screenwriter (b. 1935)
  • Fredrick Töben, author and Holocaust denier (born in Germany) (b. 1944)

=July=

File:Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya at the 2017 Four Continents Championships (cropped).jpg]]

File:Barry Jarman 1957.jpg]]

File:Ron Tauranac 1971.jpg]]

=August=

File:1943Tooth NBHS Athletic Team winnersKerrCupLintottCup(detail).jpg]]

File:Lorna Larter (cricketer).jpg]]

File:Prof Bob Elliott (cropped).jpg]]

=September=

File:Sonny Chua, Australian Pianist & Composer.jpg]]

File:Susan Ryan 2015-02.jpg]]

File:Helen Reddy 1975.JPG]]

= October =

File:Jacinda Barclay 18.02.18.jpg]]

=November=

File:Barbara McAulay 1952.png]]

File:Jeanne little may 2008 (cropped).jpg]]

File:Chris Hurford 1974 (cropped).jpg]]

File:James D. Wolfensohn 2003.jpg]]

=December=

File:Jeffery Michael 030238DI-002.jpg]]

File:Doug Anthony 1974 (cropped).jpg]]

See also

{{Portal|Australia|Current events|Oceania|Asia|Modern history|Australian roads|New South Wales|Queensland|South Australia|Western Australia}}

{{Wikinews|Category:Australia}}

=Country overviews=

=Related timelines for current period=

References

{{Reflist|30em}}

External links

  • {{Commons category-inline}}

{{Years in Australia}}

{{Year in Oceania|2020}}

Category:Years of the 21st century in Australia

Australia

Australia