An update from Agriculture Victoria…

On 25 October 2021, PIAA attended a meeting with Agriculture Victoria and other stakeholders to discuss COVID-19 in the workplace. Please see below details provided to us by Agriculture Victoria today.

WorkSafe advice on managing cases in the workplace

WorkSafe has information available online to support businesses in the event a positive COVID-19 case attends the workplace. The information includes identifying and controlling risks to health, and notifiable incidents.   

• https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/notifiable-incidents-involving-coronavirus-covid-19

• https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/safety-alerts/exposure-coronavirus-workplaces

• https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/managing-risk-exposure-coronavirus-covid-19-checklist-employers

Advice is based on current restrictions, noting changes are expected on Friday.

Worker permits

Worker permits are not a listed requirement on the Coronavirus website, see https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/how-we-work-current-restrictions#key-restrictions.

Worker permits are not required for workers travelling to regional Victoria for authorised work. Travel between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria is only permitted for only those whose profession or workplace is on the Authorised Provider and Authorised Worker list and if they cannot work from home.

Vaccination status of clients/customers

There is no requirement under the Open Premises Directions (No 2) for veterinary clinics, animal shelters, pet groomers or pet stores to check the vaccination status of customers.

Businesses that are not covered by a public health direction may choose to refuse entry to unvaccinated patrons as long as they comply with their obligations under anti-discrimination and privacy laws. Businesses should not refuse entry to patrons who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or because they are in an age group that has not had access to vaccination.

Links that were posted during the meeting are provided below.

Media release about upcoming changes https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/nearly-there-return-normality-80-and-90-vax-rates

Travelling between Melbourne metro and regional Victoria https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/travel-restrictions#can-i-travel-from-metropolitan-melbourne-to-regional-victoria

COVIDSafe plan information and template https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/covidsafe-plan 

Information and advice for businesses who have a confirmed COVID-19 case in the workplace https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/confirmed-case-workplace

Information on COVID-19 restrictions changes regularly. Please refer to the Victorian Chief Health Officer Directions and the Coronavirus website to ensure you have the most up to date information on these matters.