COVID-19 Edition 15: Worker Permits in Victoria During the Stage 4 Lockdown and Business Support

From 6 August 2020 all Victorian workplaces MUST be closed unless they are a permitted activity as defined in the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) 'permitted work premises' directions.

If you are unclear about whether your business is a permitted workplace visit the DHHS webpage showing permitted workplaces by industry  Workers who are permitted to go to work must now carry a worker permit with them when going to and returning home from work. This permit has to be signed by both the employer and the employee.  A permit form template is available from the Victorian Government Justice and Safety website.  Employees that are unexpectedly called in outside of their specified hours can attend their workplace and they will need to carry their worker's permit, to ensure authorities can verify with their employer that they are on their way to work.  A permitted workplace should only issue a worker permit to a worker if the worker cannot work from home and they are in an eligible category.  Sole traders must issue a worker permit and sign it as both worker and employer.  Failing to comply with the DHHS directions can result in significant fines for both the employer and workers.  

‍Victorian Business Support Fund - Expansion

To support businesses impacted by these restrictions, the Victorian Government will make available one-off grants to eligible businesses under the Business Support Fund - Expansion program.  This includes:

• $10,000 for employing businesses in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire in recognition of spending longer under restrictions

• $5,000 for employing businesses in regional local government areas (except Mitchell Shire)

Businesses which have already received a Business Support Fund - Expansion grant, or have applied for one, will not need to re-apply. Successful applicants will automatically receive this additional allocation.