“What you’re going through is tough. We’re here to help you push through this in every single way that we possibly can,” Mr Morrison said.

“Over the course of this week, we’ve been responding to the changes that have been put in place by the Victorian Government to support them, to ensure that we can make this work as best as we possibly can.”

The prime minister said he realised the strain many Victorians were under.

“Young mums who won’t be able to have access to childcare or have just gone through a long haul of home schooling now having to face another long haul of it. This will put incredible pressure on families and particularly for families with children with disabilities, and it’s important that we play our role to support each other,” he said.

Victorians will be able to access an additional 10 sessions with a therapist or psychologist subsidised by Medicare, Mr Morrison said.

“That’s under Medicare for people in areas impacted by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic who have used their 10 sessions already in a calendar year, and this applies to all in Victoria,” he said.

“Telehealth has been an important mechanism for health services delivery throughout the pandemic, not just in Victoria, but all around the country.”

Beyond Blue’s Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service is a 24/7 service free of charge to all Australians.