COVID-19 Summary Share Tags 2022-12-14 FESPA Australia is available to support you with information during this time. We will update this page regularly as new announcements and information is made available. We feel it is important to give you as much advice and assistance as possible to help navigate the COVID environment. Please contact us direct if you have any specific queries. membership@fespaaustralia.org.au 20 April 2022 - Close contact rules to change in VIC & NSW 3 March 2022 - COVID-19 Financial Support for Employers. CLICK HERE to find the latest support relevant to your state and territory. 8 February 2022 - COVID-19 Incident Notification Requirements - source TRMC 12 January 2022 - How to seek support - www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/pandemic-leave-disaster-payment 12 January 2022 - The Victorian Government has announced changes to the pandemic orders to come into effect from 11:59pm on Wednesday 12 January. 23 December 2021 - VIC extends mask mandate to all indoor settings, major events over 30,000 people 15 December 2021 - Victorian Health Minister confirms changes to mask, vaccine rules 25 October 2021 - Victoria is reopening - click here to view new settings for businesses across metropolitan and regional Victoria. 20 October 2021 - Return to work - how to guides for Employer and Employee 16 October 2021 - Melbourne's lockdown to end at 11:59pm on Thursday 21 Oct 2021. 6 October 2021 - Mandatory vaccination deadline for VIC authorised workers 5 October 2021 - Reopening roadmap for industry and businesses: Stage One 27 September 2021 - NSW receives roadmap to freedom 24 September 2021 - COVID 19 Vaccination Business Kit 20 September 2021 - Victoria's Roadmap - Delivering the national plan 20 September 2021 - NSW - restrictions start to ease 16 September 2021 - VIC - New freedoms when 70% first dose target reached 15 September 2021 - Apply Now - Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund 3 - VIC 14 September 2021 - Mandatory vaccinations being considered for Victorian construction workers 13 September 2021 - Click here for construction sector guidance 12 September 2021 - NSW government extends COVID-19 Test and Isolate support payment 9 September 2021 - NSW releases roadmap out of lockdown 8 September 2021 - Vaccination rates increase nationally 8 September 2021 - Regional Victoria's lockdown will be lifted 7 September 2021 - Financial support for small businesses. Find the latest government support relevant to your state or territory. 6 September 2021 - NSW - Two week vaccine deadline extended 1 September 2021 - Melbourne lockdown to continue until 23 September. 31 August 2021 - ACT extends current lockdown - economic support for businesses 31 August 2021 - VIC lockdown to continue 30 August 2021 - Sydney workers - no jab - no work from 6 September 27 August 2021 - Late changes to Sydney worker permit and vaccinations for workers 26 August 2021 - More rent relief available through Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme 25 August 2021 - NSW on high alert - for the latest information visit www.nsw.gov.au 24 August 2021 - NSW Lockdown - Authorised Worker Permit required from Monday 30 August 23 August 2021 - NSW Government has extended the current lockdown in Greater Sydney until the end of September. New rules apply as of today. 19 August 2021 - It's important to recognise Mental Health issues in these challenging times. There is a lot of support out there - so don't be afraid to reach out. Govt Resources - Mental Health Resources Lifeline Beyond Blue Man Anchor 18 August 2021 - NSW - Test and isolate support services available 17 August 2021 - From 11:59pm Tuesday 17 August, workplaces in Melbourne must be closed unless: the workplace is an authorised provider or service, or all employees are working from home. Visit this page to see a list of authorised providers and workers. From 11:59pm on Tuesday 17 August, employers that require their staff to attend a work site must issue a worker permit to their employees – this is the employer’s responsibility. Advice on how to access the authorised worker permit is provided below. You can download the Authorised Provider & Authorised Worker Permit here 16 August 2021 - Curfew, playground closures and extended lockdown confirmed in Melbourne 11 August 2021 - Melbourne to remain in lockdown for a further seven days 11 August 2021 - Find out where I can get vaccinated plus all your queries on the the vaccination program 10 August 2021 - Here is the latest breakdown of restrictions enforced by each state & territory 10 August 2021 - Business Support Summary for all states & territories (source TRMC) 4 August 2021 - With eight Greater Sydney LGAs – Blacktown, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool and Parramatta – in a hard lockdown, authorised workers from these areas are encouraged to carry an authorised worker letter with them at all times. Click on link to view template.(source TRMC). 28 July 2021 - NSW Lockdown extended, support expanded 21 July 2021 - VIC Govt announces Top Up Business Support Grants 20 July 2021 - South Australia - 7 Day lockdown announced - what it means for business 19 July 2021 - Further restrictions in NSW and an extension of lockdown in VIC 15 July 2021 - Victoria to go into snap lockdown for 5 days - Statement from Vic Premier 14 July 2021 - Sydney lockdown extended for another two weeks. 13 July 2021 - Latest Relief & Government Support 7 July 2021 - Lockdown & Restrictions Extended in NSW 1 July 2021 - Business Support Advice 29 June 2021- please click on each state to view updates - New South Wales - Queensland - Western Australia - South Australia - ACT - VIC 29 June 2021 - Financial support for NSW businesses 23 June 2021 - Sydney introduces new restrictions 23 June 2021 - Business NSW - Important Information 8 June 2021 - Financial and other support 3 June 2021 - Greater Melbourne residents who lost jobs to COVID lockdown eligible for Commonwealth payments 3 June 2021 - Lockdown in Victoria - attached Stand Down document for your consideration. 2 June 2021 - Victoria Circuit Breaker Business Support 28 May 2021 - Amendments to border & travel restrictions 27 May 2021 - Victorian Lockdown Notice 27 May 2021 - Victoria to go into 7 day lockdown from 11.59pm - for more information go to VIC Gov Website 27 April 2021 - Latest relief and government initiatives - JobMaker Hiring Credit first claim period ends 30 April 2021 29 March 2021 - Preparing for the end of JobKeeper 22 March 2021 - Phase 1b of COVID- 19 vaccine rollout starts 22 March 2021 22 February 2021 - COVID-19 Vaccines - Informing Your Employees 15 February 2021 - First Pfizer vaccine doses arrive in Australia 12 February 2021 - From 11.59pm 12 February 2021 new circuit breaker actions will be in place until 11.59pm 17 February 2021 30 November 2020 - Melbourne businesses can welcome back 25% of staff back to work 23 November 2020 - The NSW-Victoria border has reopened, 138 days after it was locked down to combat the spread of coronavirus. 21 November 2020 - South Australia to end coronavirus lockdown three days early 19 November 2020 - South Australia's coronavirus lockdown explained - what's open and what's closed 19 November 2020 - Business Restrictions and Closures - Government of South Australia 16 November 2020 - Response to South Australian outbreak 26 October 2020 - Melbourne's coronavirus restrictions ease as Victorian Premier Daniel Andres announces end to lockdown 7 October 2020 - $1.2 billion to help Australian businesses employ apprentices as part of COVID-19 recovery plan 28 September 2020 - JobKeeper Payment changes as from today 27 September 2020 - Restrictions lifting slightly in Victoria 13 September 2020 New business support package announced - The Victorian Government has announced a $3 billion package to help businesses survive and keep Victorians in jobs. To view the full details - go to www.business.vic.gov.au/ See the Premier's media release for details External link (opens in same window). Latest updates regarding Victoria's Permitted worker scheme Permitted Worker Permit form - Final 10092020.docx 6 September 2020 - Victoria's lockdown extended as Premier unveils road map out of stage four. To view full road map click here 4 September 2020 - National Cabinet Media Statement to Australia's COVID-19 response. 2 September 2020 - The Victorian Government has won a six-month extension of its powers to declare the coronavirus pandemic an ongoing state of emergency. 26 August 2020 - Australian Government Resources Please click on the link to view a collection of videos, radio and poster resources to help you stay informed and share important messages. 13 August 2020 - Mental Health Resources It's important to look after your mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We recognise the feelings of anxiety and concern many people may be experiencing during this time. Please click on the link above which lists important and helpful advice to help you through this time. Please also view the Government Fact Sheet - 200812 - Mental Health Support For Business Owners And Workers.pdf 7 August 2020 - JobKeeper extension From 28 September 2020, businesses and not-for-profits seeking to claim JobKeeper Payment will be required to re-assess their eligibility for the JobKeeper extension with reference to their actual turnover in the September quarter 2020. 7 August 2020 - COVID Safe Plan For VIC Members COVID Safe Plan Victorian members must have a COVID Safe Plan implemented (for employers with 5 or more employees) by 11.59pm Friday 7 August. Please click on link to view the Victorian government simplified COVID Safe Plan guidance notes. Vic-COVID-Safe-Plan-guidance.docx 5 August 2020 - Worker Permits Required In Victoria Workers are required to have Worker Permits with them whilst travelling during the Stage 4 lockdowns across Victoria. These come into effect Wednesday 5 August 11.59pm. Employees must carry the worker permit and should carry photo identification (this should align with the worker permit) when travelling to and from the workplace. A worker permit can be shown electronically to authorities such as a photo, or scanned copy, on a mobile device. Click here for a copy of the Permitted-Worker-Scheme-Template.docx 3 August 2020 - Stage 4 Restrictions In Victoria Under the Stage 4 restrictions in Victoria, there are new requirements for businesses. Certain services and industries will be able to remain operational and will be required by law to have a COVID Safe Plan. For information on the latest restrictions and to understand if your business can open under Stage 4 restrictions, download the full list of industries affected - COVID Stage 4 Industries - Distribution (1).pdf 22 July 2020 - From 11.50pm Weds 22 July, face covering is now mandatory for Melbourne and Mitchell shire 21 July 2020 - JobKeeper and JobSeeker to be extended beyond September 2020 21 July 2020 - JobKeeper Fact Sheet 16 July 2020 - Federal Government unveils JobTrainer program for school leavers struggling to find work amid Corona Virus pandemic. 14 July 2020 - VIC Government to offer $5,000 grants to support businesses through the renewed restrictions in Metro Melbourne & Mitchell Shire 8 July 2020 - A Return to Stay At Home Restrictions for Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire from 8 July 2020 @ 11:59pm 7 July 2020 - NSW - Small Business Recovery Grants available from 1 July 2020 - NSW Government 30 June 2020 - Victoria announces lockdowns across ten suburbs - Hotspot Business Support Programs available. 30 June 2020 - Statement from Victorian Premier 24 June 2020 - Victorians urged to get tested for COVID-19 if they have any symptoms 11 June 2020 - Changes to Stage 3 restrictions National Cabinet reconfirmed the commitment to the 3 step framework for a COVID-safe Australia to be completed in July 2020. 15 May 2020 - The Prime Minister has announced $48.1 million in funding for the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan. The plan will support services available in homes, workplaces, aged care, schools and other community sites with a specific focus on vulnerable groups. 11 May 2020 – Restaurants, cafes allowed to reopen under the first stage of eased coronavirus restrictions. Timings of changes will be up to the individual states and territories. A detailed plan of the steps (PDF 174 KB), as well as a summary (PDF 175 KB), is attached. 5 May 2020 - Rules to create COVID-19- safe workplaces released. New workplace safety protocols to guide businesses out of the coronavirus pandemic have been released. Click here to download workplace checklist Click here to view Safe Work Australia guidelines 27 April 2020 – JobKeeper enrolment has been extended: The Commissioner has extended the enrolment for JobKeeper from 30 April 2020 to 31 May 2020. Click here for more information 14 April 2020 - JobKeeper Payment - Supporting Businesses to Maintain Jobs Click here to download the Fact Sheet 11 April 2020 - JobKeeper Payment - Information For Employers If your business has been significantly impacted by the Coronavirus you will be able to access a wages subsidy to continue paying your employees. Under the JobKeeper program, you will be able to claim a fortnightly payment of $1,500 per eligible employee from 30 March 2020. This assistance will help you keep staff and restart when the crisis is over. Click here to download the Fact Sheet Click here for Frequently Asked Questions 9 April 2020 - Rent Relief Package Announced The Federal Government has announced further details of the rent relief package for commercial tenants affected by COVID-19. Under the scheme, landlords will be instructed to reduce their commercial tenant's rent in proportion to the tenants lost revenue due to the impact of COVID-19. Click here for more information 9 April 2020 - Changes To Fair Work Act The Federal Government has changed the Fair Work Act for employers and employees who have accessed the JobKeeper wage subsidy. Click here for more information 7 April 2020 - Insurance Payments Insurers to offer deferred payments, refunds under small business relief package. Insurance companies and brokers will be able to work together to implement COVID-19 relief measures for certain small businesses following the ACCC’s granting of interim authorisation today. Click here to read more 2 April 2020 - Electricity & Gas Relief Relief is on the way for Australians experiencing COVID-19-related hardship following the announcement of an electricity and gas network relief package. The package is targeted at small business and residential customers. To find out more - click here. 2 April 2020 - Proposed Two weeks of Unpaid leave The Fair Work Commission has issued a statement outlining its intention to update 103 awards during the coronavirus pandemic. The proposed updates would provide: an entitlement to 2 weeks unpaid pandemic leave if an employee is required to self isolate flexibility to take annual leave at half pay. 2 April - Free Childcare for Parents of Essential Workers Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that child care will become free for parents who continue working during the coronavirus pandemic. The new childcare system, which will begin on Sunday 5 April 2020, will see children continue at their current providers with additional support from the government paid directly to the childcare centre. Click here fore more information 31 March 2020 - JobKeeper - Federal Government Economic Response The Federal Government will provide a wage subsidy to around 6 million workers who will receive a flat payment of $1,500 per fortnight through their employer, before tax. Click on links below for more information JobKeeper payment Australian Government - Supporting Businesses Factsheet 24 March 2020 - Business Information It is recommended that employers become familiar with the information around the virus - particularly how it is spread and how it can be prevented. Businesses should implement procedures to mitigate the risks to their employees being exposed while performing work. There is a lot of support information for businesses - here are a few links to assist you. Australian Government Government Business Assistance Australian Tax Office Australian Securities and Investment Fair Work Commission ACCC Business Australia Beyond Blue Lifeline Man Anchor Please contact us if you have any queries: membership@fespaaustralia.org.au