Appendix 3 | Applying the CRIA tool to COVID-19 pandemic policy and legislation relating to the closure of schools and early childhood education and care in Australia The Department of Health also: • doubled the annual cap on rebated psychological appointments to 20 rebated sessions through mental health treatment plans • increased funding for mental health services across states and territories • fast-tracked the national roll-out of telehealth to ensure universal access to health services across Australia • increased information and resources about access to health services and supports to ensure children would be mentally well during emergencies.217 State and territory governments are responsible for drafting individual operational plans in consultation with relevant stakeholders and ECEC and school sectors. Some measures taken by governments include: • In 2020, Victoria (August), NSW (April) and Queensland (April) expanded access to ECEC by providing free childcare to families.218 • In 2020, states and territories provided school students with free/borrowed laptops, SIM-card and internet dongles to address the digital divide.219 Physical learning resources were also provided to students in rural and remote areas and to students without digital access through schools, in NSW and NT.220 82 | • In 2020, SA (March), NSW, Victoria (April), Queensland and ACT developed alternative teaching methods and new websites to better adjust to online learning and engage students remotely.221 • In 2020, ACT (April), NSW (September) and Victoria (April) provided flexibility for final year student assessments to reduce stress and pressure.222 • In April 2020, the Queensland Government announced the Online Student Hub (a digital counselling service), and isolation care-packs, pre-prepared meals, and other living expense payments for international students.223 • In April 2020, the NT Government continued to pay casual school staff wages in the event of school closures.224 • In May 2020, the SA Government launched a free parenting webinar for parents struggling during the pandemic. The webinar addressed issues such as increased screen time among children and young people.225