Clarification: Renovations not resuming on 28 September
Sep 21, 2020
Clarification: Renovations not resuming on 28 September
Master Builders Victoria has taken a number of calls from members today asking whether renovations of occupied residencies is allowed as of Monday 28 September.
The simple answer is that the governments roadmap does not allow renovations to begin on Monday or, in all likelihood, until at least 26 October.
Master Builders Victoria believes that renovations should be able to continue safely sooner than this, and we continue to make representations to government for them to reconsider. However, this remains the rules that the industry must comply with.
Under the current government roadmap, the ‘Open with a COVIDSafe plan’ stage is the first possible day for renovations of occupied residences, which is expected to begin on 26 October. If that changes at any stage, we will let you know through these bulletins.
We are aware of some discussions or misinterpretations, but need to be very clear in saying that the roadmap does not currently allow for renovations to begin again from Monday 28 September.
Reminder: JobKeeper extension
We remind members that on 1 September 2020, Parliament has passed legislation that extended the application of the JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme and the JobKeeper flexibilities in the Fair Work Act beyond its initial expiry date of 28 September 2020. In extending the JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme and the JobKeeper flexibilities substantive changes were made to payment rates, eligibility, turnover tests and the flexibilities available to employers.
Please refer to the linked FAQs for more information. If you have any further questions, you can call the IR Team on (03) 9411 4555.
Read the FAQs about JobKeeper.
Driver permit and licence testing to resume in regional Victoria
Learner permit and licence testing including drive tests are set to resume across regional Victoria in line with the Victorian Government’s roadmap to reopening.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said licencing operations will resume in regional areas from Monday 21 September now that regional Victoria has progressed to the Third Step along the path toward COVID Normal.
While tests have been suspended, VicRoads has been offering licence tests for people who would have faced undue hardship from not having their learner permit or licence. This option will continue to be available until the availability of new appointments returns to normal. As announced in May, tradies, health workers and other Victorians needing a driver’s licence to work will be at the front of the line to sit their driving tests.
A reminder
Master Builders Victoria remains available to support our members. Your health and safety, as well as that of our team, sponsors and stakeholders, is of the utmost importance to us. While many of our team has transitioned to working remotely, we continue to deliver our services and products to you and have plans in place allowing this to continue as the effects of COVID-19 unfold. We will keep you notified of any changes that may affect the way we serve you.
Please also note that while our walk-in shops are closed, the online shop is still active and will deliver to your homes. To access the online shop, please click here.
At this time of uncertainty, we encourage members to take advantage of the numerous support resources available to them including:
Members should always feel free to call us for information on (03) 9411 4555.