COVID-19 & Your Business

Latest News

Members, below are the most recent links / announcements regarding COVID-19. 
All other links are below in their associated areas.

NEW  24 May 2020 DHHS – Victoria's Restriction Levels 
NEW  24 May 2020 State Government – Statement From The Premier
21 May 2020 State Government – Providing The Skills For Businesses To Emerge Stronger
18 May 2020 Caravan Industry Victoria – Message from the CEO 
17 May 2020 State Government – Statement From The Premier

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Industry in Focus

INDUSTRY STATUS:

STATUS: Open with Strict Operating Requirements or Closed

The Caravan Industry is open with Strict Operating Requirements – Caravan Industry Victoria members fall into one of the current categories that can continue with the running of their businesses but with all care taken to maximise social distancing. 
Where staff can work from home, employers should consider if this is an option for them.

  • Suppliers - Open with Strict Operating Requirements
  • Manufacturers -  Open with Strict Operating Requirements
  • Dealers -  Open with Strict Operating Requirements
  • Retailers -  Open with Strict Operating Requirements
  • Service and Repairs - Open with Strict Operating Requirements
  • Caravan Parks - Closed
  • Border Closures (Freight and Transportation of Stock) - Open with Strict Operating Requirements

Based on this rule businesses must make adjustments to their business, for example, any work on a caravan only one person can be inside at any one time. How to engage with Social Distancing

Caravan and RV Manufacturers

Caravan and RV manufacturers are not required to close. However the facilitation of social distancing measures of at least 1.5 metres between persons should be applied and appropriate cleaning and hygiene practices should continue in order to limit the potential spread of the virus.

Retailers (including Caravan and RV dealers, accessories and camping equipment suppliers)

Retailers such as Caravan and RV dealers, accessories and camping equipment suppliers are not required to close. However, if any dealers or other retailers have an onsite cafe for staff or customers they can continue to trade but they will be limited to take-away and/or delivery. In addition, encouragement and facilitation of social distancing measures of at least 1.5 metres between persons should be applied and appropriate cleaning and hygiene practices should continue in order to limit the potential spread of the viruses.

Caravan and RV Repairers

Caravan and RV repairers are not required to close. However, if any repairers have an onsite cafe for staff or customers they can continue to trade but they will be limited to take-away and/or delivery. In addition, encouragement and facilitation of social distancing measures of at least 1.5 metres between persons should be applied and appropriate cleaning and hygiene practices should continue in order to limit the potential spread of the virus.

Caravan Parks - CLOSED

Currently caravan parks remain closed. Click here for more details.
People in certain circumstances are able to stay in a caravan park, these include:
-  Essential workers such as doctors and nurses who are delivering health services in communities
-  People who permanently reside in a caravan park
-  People who do not have a permanent residence

Caravan Industry Association of Australia has sought legal advice following the report that there is a growing numbers of guests cancelling bookings and requesting refunds due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation. To help park managers and staff decide what type/amount of refund is to be provided to guests, please find below links to the COVID-19 Caravan Park Cancellation Flowchart which explains the refund process, relevant for each state:
-  Victoria - COVID-19 Caravan Park Cancellation Flowchart
-  New South Wales - COVID-19 Caravan Park Cancellation Flowchart
-  South Australia - COVID-19 Caravan Park Cancellation Flowchart
-  NT, Tas, ACT, WA & QLD - COVID-19 Caravan Park Cancellation Flowchart

Border Closures (Freight and Transportation of Stock)

Victoria
Right now there is no closure or restrictions on Victoria’s borders. Non-essential domestic travel is restricted and Victorians are being urged to stay at home where possible, but key services, like health, freight and logistics – including those that travel across state’s borders, will continue. If there are concerns about potential variation in state decisions that may impact what is open on one side of the borders and what may be on the other, people should visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/travel-restrictions-coronavirus, where they can find regularly-updated information about what is restricted in Victoria.

Australian Capital Terriorty
There are currently no restrictions on cross-border movement between ACT and NSW, beyond those that apply to everyone (ie not undertaking non-essential travel, maintaining social distancing rules etc)

New South Wales
There are no current border controls in NSW.
Department of Primary Industries: COVID-19 advice

Northern Territory
Freight will continue to come in and out of the Territory. The new quarantine orders will not impact the delivery of essential goods and services.
NT Securing Borders Media Release: Click for more information

Queensland
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries:
-  Queensland border restrictions
-  Apply for an entry pass
-  Queensland border restrictions fact sheet

South Australia
SA Border Closure Media Release: Click for more information
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development: COVID-19 and primary industries

Tasmania
Tasmanian Border Restrictions: Click for more information 

Western Australia
Probhibition of Regional Travel Directions: Click for more information

More information about Australian State and Territory Border Closures can be found here: www.interstatequarantine.org.au/state-and-territory-border-closures/

Prepare to Reopen Your Business & Response Plans

The Australian Government is now calling on businesses to begin to prepare for reopening and increased operational output for the immediate months ahead. Crucially, businesses need to be able to operate in an environment where COVID-19 is still present but controlled. The government is asking all businesses that they have COVID-19 response and crisis management plans in place to support this. This includes managing the potential for a COVID-19 outbreak in the workplace, identifying the reporting process to relative authorities and stakeholders, providing relative staff and customer contact details for tracing, and the process for cleaning and hygiene management.  This will ensure that as social distance measures are progressively removed, businesses can support the government in managing any potential small outbreaks of COVID-19.

Prepare to return to work resources from Safe Work Australia:
•    Caravan Parks
•    Offices
•    Dealerships
•    Retailers
•    Manufacturing
•    Frieght

It is important that all businesses review the material made available in addition to your state based WorkSafe information.
The government is also requesting that all businesses need to consider how they can reconfigure their business models in a post COVID-19 economy. This includes increasing digital infrastructure, examining current supply chains and logistics, as well as how you can engage with new and existing consumer segments.

Domestic Travel Update

International travel restrictions will remain in place for some time, with the challenge associated with significant outbreaks in other countries that Australia is unable to control.  Government has indicated that Tourism Australia will be pivoting towards a stronger domestic tourism focus. Caravan Industry Victoria are currently working on 3 major marketing campaigns to be implemented to support the caravan industry.

Travel restrictions in Victoria will be eased as of 11:59pm on 31 May as annouced by Premier Daniel Andrews on 24 May. 

Eased restrictions include: 

  • You will be able to stay in a holiday home or private residence
  • You will be also able to stay in tourist accommodation, including caravan parks and camping grounds, where there are no shared communal facilities (e.g. kitchens and bathrooms)
  • Tourist accommodation can open to guests provided there are no shared communal facilities such as kitchens or bathrooms
To find out more visit: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/travel-restrictions-covid-19

FAQs

1. What is the state webiste for general informaiton regarding the Coronavirus?
Information and general updates regarding COVID-19 can be easily accessible via the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au 

2. What does Social Distancing mean? 

One way to slow the spread of viruses is social distancing (also called physical distancing). The more space between you and others, the harder it is for the virus to spread. To find out more and how to practice social distancing in public please click here.

3. Where can I find advice for employers dealing with COVID-19?
We highly reccomend utlising the current information provided by our partner HR Legal in their 'Advice for Employers Dealing with Coronavirus' update. Otherwise, please contact our Senior Adviser - Workplace Relations, Ron Last at rlast@ciavic.com.au who will able to assist you in employee and business advice.

4. What are the Employment Law Issues that have arisen due to Coronavirus?
If you are currently grappling with the difficult considerations to employment due to COVID-19, we reccomend having a look through HR Legal's guides and articles: 
•    Update 6: JobKeeper Rules
•    Update 5: JobKeeper Legislation
•    Update 4: Legislative Changes – JobKeeper Wage Support, Award Variations for COVID-19
•    Update 3: Employment Law Issues with Coronavirus
•    Update 2: Guide to Employment Law Issues with Coronavirus
Otherwise please contact Caravan Industry Victoria's Senior Adviser - Workplace Relations, Ron Last at rlast@ciavic.com.au

5. What is the 'Stay At Home' Direction and the 'Restricted Activities' Direction?
The Victorian Government is directing all Victorians to stay at home, restricting sporting, cultural, recreational and commercial activities to help limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). If you can stay home, you must stay home.
•    Click here for the 'Stay At Home' direction.
•    FAQ about 'Stay At Home' direction.
•    Click here for the 'Restricted Activities' direction.
•    FAQ about 'Restricted Activites' direction.

Mental Health Support

Government Requirements & Obligations

STATE GOVERNMENT:

State of Emergency
A State of Emergency has been declared in Victoria from 16 March 2020 has been extended by State Government until midnight 31 May 2020 to combat coronavirus.

Stage 3 Restrictions - Including Business Closures
Announcements about new measures and restrictions in Victoria.

Stay At Home (No. 6)
Stay at Home Directions from the Deputy Chief Health Officer. Stay at Home Directions (No.6) are affective from 11.59pm on 12 May 2020 and end at 11.59pm on 31 May 2020.

Restricted Activities (No. 7)
Updated Restricted Activities Directions (No.7) from the Deputy Chief Health Officer. The purpose of these directons is to restrict the operation of certain businesses and undertakings in order to limit the spread of Coronavirus (11 May 2020).

'Stay At Home' & 'Restricted Activities' FAQ
The Victorian Government is directing all Victorians to stay at home, restricting sporting, cultural, recreational and commercial activities to help limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). If you can stay home, you must stay home. Click here for frequently asked questions related to both directions. 

Media Releases

STATE GOVERNMENT Media Releases:
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Media Releases:

Money, Stimulus, Funding & Grants

STATE GOVERNMENT:

Commercial Tenancies Relief Scheme
The Victorian Government has announced on 15 April 2020 a commercial tenancy relief scheme to alleviate financial hardship faced by tenants and landlords as a result of coronavirus.

Economic Survival and Jobs Package
As part of a $1.7 billion economic survival package, the Victorian Government has announced $500 million to establish a Business Support Fund to assist small to medium businesses most impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Click here for the Economic Survival Package Fact Sheet.

Assistance to Help Pay the Wages of Apprentices or Trainees
If you employ an apprentice or trainee you may be eligible for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of their wage paid from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020. You can register for the subsidy from early April 2020. Employers should speak to their Trainee Provider, click here for a full list. 

Victorian Government’s New Business Support Fund
Business Support Fund applications are now open as part of the Victorian Government’s Economic Survival and Jobs Package. 
Firms are eligible for $10,000 if they:
•    Employ staff
•    Are highly impacted by COVID-19 business restrictions
•    Have a turnover of more than $75,000
•    Have payroll of less than $650,000

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT:

JobKeeper
The government has introduced a $130 billion JobKeeper Payment scheme to support businesses significantly affected by the coronavirus to help keep more Australians in jobs.
•    JobKeeper - Employer Information
If your business is affected by the coronavirus, you may be eligible to access the JobKeeper payment to assist you to be able to continue paying your employees. Employers can choose to participate in the scheme and then nominate the employees they are entitled to claim for. An employer can choose not to participate in the JobKeeper payment.
     •    Eligible employers
     •    Your eligible employees
     •    Amount of JobKeeper payment
     •    Enrol and apply for the JobKeeper payment
     •    Paying your eligible employees
     •    ACCI JobKeeper Payment Employer Guide

Employers - Steps to Apply and Enrol for the JobKeeper Payment

Please see below a step by step guide by BDO Australia with some key dates, summarised as follows:

  1. Immediately - make sure your payroll is right for the first fortnight ended 12 April in line with guidance sent around earlier this afternoon
  2. Before 20 April - complete employee nomination form – link here – you don’t have to submit this to the ATO, just keep it for your records like a TFN declaration    N.B. Do not nominate non-salary directors, trust beneficiaries, sole traders or partners using the employee nomination form – use some other form/process (Also N.B. this doesn’t actually exist yet)
  3. From 20 April - enrol for the JobKeeper payment via business portal or tax agent portal
  4. Prior to 26 April - double check your pay run for the second fortnight ending 26 April and add any additional amounts to make up for the first fortnight – you can only do this for these first two fortnights – see details here
  5. From 4 May confirm eligible employees via business portal or tax agent portal

•    JobKeeper - Employee Information
The JobKeeper payment supports businesses significantly affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) by helping with the costs of their employees’ wages, so more Australians can retain their jobs and continue to earn an income. Your employer will notify you if they intend to claim the JobKeeper fortnightly payment of $1,500 on your behalf. You will not be paid the JobKeeper payment by the ATO. The payment comes from your employer who is later reimbursed by the ATO. Tax will be withheld from the payment so you may receive less than $1,500 in your bank account.
     •    Eligible employees
     •    How much you will recieve from your employer
     •    How the JobKeeper payment affects income support payments
•    JobKeeper - Tax Professional Information
•    Employers register their interest here to recieve updates.
•    Download fact sheet for employers here.
•    Sole traders may be eligible to receive the JobKeeper Payment if their turnover has reduced. Learn more about JobKeeper Payment for Sole Traders Here.

Working From Home Deductions For Employees
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO)  announced yesterday special arrangements this year due to COVID-19 to make it easier for people to claim deductions for working from home.

Boosting Cash Flow for Employers
Legislation has been enacted to provide temporary cash flow support to small and medium businesses and not-for-profit organisations that employ staff during the economic downturn associated with COVID-19.

Export Market Development Grants​
Funding boost to support Australian exporters and tourism businesses. Austrade has announced increased funding for the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG). Funding for the scheme will increase by $49.8 million.

Increasing the Instant Asset Write-Off
 The instant asset write-off threshold has been increased from $30,000 to $150,000 and expanded access to include businesses with aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million). This applies from 12 March 2020 until 30 June 2020, for new or second‑hand assets first used or installed ready for use in this timeframe.
 
Backing Business Investment (BBI)
A time limited 15 month investment incentive to support business investment and economic growth over the short term, by accelerating depreciation deductions. This applies to eligible assets acquired from 12 March 2020 and first used or installed by 30 June 2021. Businesses with a turnover of less than $500 million will be able to deduct 50 per cent of the cost of an eligible asset on installation, with existing depreciation rules applying to the balance of the asset cost.
 
Increased and Accelerated Income Support
The Government is temporarily expanding eligibility to income support payments and establishing a new, time-limited Coronavirus supplement to be paid at a rate of $550 per fortnight. This supplement will be paid to both existing and new recipients of the eligible payment categories. These changes will apply for the next six monthsPayments will commence from 27 April 2020.
 
Early Access to Superannuation
Individuals affected by the coronavirus can access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019-20 and a further $10,000 in 2020-21. You will be able to apply for early release of your superannuation from mid-April 2020.
 
Supporting the Flow of Credit
The Government, Reserve Bank of Australia and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority have taken coordinated action to support the flow of credit in the Australian economy, in particular for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
 
Boosting Cash Flow for Employers
Provides up to $100,000 back to small and medium-sized businesses, with a minimum payment of $20,000 for eligible businesses. The payments will provide cash flow support to businesses with a turnover of less than $50 million and not-for-profit entities that employ staff.  The payment will be tax free.
 
Casual Employees
If you employ a casual employee and they can’t work because they become sick or need to self-isolate, or their income has been otherwise impacted by the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus, they may be eligible for income support payments. The Government is making these payments quicker to access by waiving the usual waiting period in certain circumstances. Information on income support is available on the Services Australia website.

Assistance for Affected Regions, Communities and Industries
The Government has created an initial $1 billion support fund to provide assistance to industries and regions severely affected by the economic impacts of Coronavirus.  

Support More Mental Health, Medicare and Domestic Violence Services
Released on 29 March 2020 by the Prime Minster, the Federal Government have commited $1.1 billion to support mental health, Medicare and Domestic Violence services. 

CPA Australia 
CPA Australia have collated a number of resources including check lists, potential actions, auditing information and summaries on the Government Stimulus Measures. Follow the link and scroll to the 'Resources for Business' section. 
https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/training-and-events/coronavirus-impact

Business Resources & Support

'We are Open for Business' Templated Documents

Caravan Industry Victoria have developed two formal, templated documents for you to supply to all of your consumers and staff to to ensure they understand that they can travel to purchase and/or continue essential work at your premises. These templates have been developed under the notification from the Victorian Governments - Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions. 

There are two documents available for members who wish to use them:
1. Addressed to Customers, which outlines the capacity of your customers/consumers to travel without fear of prosecution.
2. Addressed to Staff Members, outlining the RV industry is open for business under the COVID-19 directions and covering your employees as they attempt to carry out their essential work during the COVID restrictions.  

These templates are now available for members. If you wish to use them please contact us. These templates must adhere to some strict guidelines upon request of use which will be explained to you prior to your use. You will be able to use these templates either with the Associations logo or without. 

If you would like to submit a request to receive these letters, please email:
lsheen@ciavic.com.au

STATE GOVERNMENT:
Risk Management Plan
A step by step guide to key things to think about when creating your risk management plan. Template can be found at the bottom of the page.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT:

Modelling the Current Impact of COVID-19 in Australia
University of Melbourne (Doherty Institute) pandemic modelling team with international experts now working on next phase of modelling using Australian data to establish current state of the epidemic, known as “nowcasting”. Click above to read more.

OTHER RESOURCES: 

Safe Work Australia
Information and resources on COVID-19 and work health and safety

Temporary Business Closure Checklist
A comprehensive checklist of risk control measures and other considerations to be checked and considered prior to closure.

ACCC Guidance for Small Businesses Affected by COVID-19
Small business guidance about refunds and cancellations due to COVID-19.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Resources for business including finacial, business closures, workplace impacts and more.

Australian Banking Association
Australian banks have hardship teams ready to help. If you’re dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are practical ways your bank can help. The type of assistance will depend on individual circumstances.

Fact Sheet for Employers
This information sheet should be read in conjunction with other ‘What you need to know’, ‘Social distancing’ content on health.gov.au and the ‘Information about routine environmental cleaning and disinfection in the community’ information sheet found here.

The Coronavirus Mobile App
You can use the Australian Government Coronavirus app to:
- Stay up to date with the official information and advice
- Important health advice to help stop the spread and stay healthy
- Get a quick snapshot of the current official status within Australia
Download for Apple   |   Download for Android 

Key Links & Websites

STATE GOVERNMENT - Victoria, Daniel Andrews - Premier
  • Premier Website
  • Media Releases
  • Latest Updates 
  • Health Page - This website providesn detailed updates and information about everything going on. This is where Chief Health Officer places statements and requirements. This really is the place to watch as the requirement for us to act come through here.
  • Health Page Media Hub - Latest updates from the Chief Health Officer.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT - National, Scott Morrison - Prime Minister
  • Website - Australian Government Website
  • Media Releases - Media Releases from the Prime Minister
  • Health Page - This has the latest medical health and safety advice, resources.
  • Fair Work Ombudsmen - This is the up to date latest on obligations and rights of employees, this page has a heap of information about pay, leave, ending employment, employee entitlements.
  • Business Page - This page has a heap of business assistance including the funding and grants, has HR e.g. hiring employees.
  • Business COVID-19 Page - Has funding packages and information.

Print at Work / Home Resources

Caravan Industry Victoria Office Posters:
  • Know the Signs - A4 & A3
  • ​Stop the Spread - A4 & A3
  • Wash your Hands - A4 & A3
If you would like these posters printed and delivered free of charge, please email our printing partner Commerce Press at t.p.m@commercepress.com.au.
 
Posters: 
Videos:

Partners

Matthews Steer - Accounting and Advisory Services
HR Legal
  • Over the next six weeks HR Legal will provide members with live webinars chats every fortnight covering a range of topics via our new member webinar platform. 
  • Find out more about HR Legal here
Parable Productions / What’s Up Downunder
Hrkac Group

Past EDMs & Member Meet-Ups

Member Alert

NEW  Message from the CEO: 18 May 2020
Member's Alert #19: Victoria's Next Stage of Restrictions Announced
Message from the CEO: Follow Up 8 May 2020
Message from the CEO: 7 May 2020
Member's Alert 18: Association, Industry and JobKeeper Update
Message from the CEO: 30 April 2020
Member's Alert 17: Have You Started JobKeeper Yet?
Member's Alert 16: JobKeeper Information and Update to Modern Awards
Member's Alert 15: State of Emergency Extended and Updates on Requirements
Member's Alert 14: Legislation Updates, Leasing Principles, Work at Home
Member's Alert 13: Further Clarification on Advice Regarding Customers Travelling to Member's Premises​
Member's Alert 12: Dealing with Customers and New Travel Restrictions
Member's Alert 11: Your 10 Step Guide 
Member's Alert 10: Critical Financial Considerations
Member's Alert 9: March 30 Latest Annoucements
Member's Alert 8: Important Employment Law Issues with Coronavirus
Member's Alert 7: Your New Information Hub
Member's Alert 6: Government Announcement Update
Member's Alert 5: Caravan Industry Remains Open for Business
Member's Alert 3: An Important Message About Your Business
Member's Alert 2: Important Questions and Answers- COVID- 19

Member Meet-Up

UPCOMING: Member Meet-Up #8 - TBC

Date: TBC
Time: TBC
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free

Post registration - you will receive a zoom link and access code. This is the only way you can access the meetup.

PAST: 

Member Meet-Up #7 - HR Legal - 18 May 2020
Member Meet-Up #6 - 'It's Time To Travel' Marketing Campaign - 13 May 2020
Member Meet-Up #5 - With Customer Culture - 6 May 2020
Member Meet-Up #4 - With Matthews Steer & Bank of Queensland - 28 April 2020
Member Meet-Up #3 - With Zynet - 20 April 2020
Member Meet-Up #2 - With Matthews Steer - 14 April 2020
Member Meet-Up #1 - With HR Legal - 7 April 2020

See Resources and Full Sessions Here

State & Territory Government Information

National and State Caravan and Camping Associations

Contact

Senior Advisor - Workplace Relations

Ron Last
E: rlast@ciavic.com.au
M: 0438336782
P: 03 9372 5388

Membership Services Coordinator

Luke Sheen
E: lsheen@ciavic.com.au
M: 0406 726 624
P: 03 9372 5388

General Inquiries

E: info@ciavic.com.au
P: 03 9372 5388

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