As new lockdown restrictions come into play, VACC has received news from members that customers are being instructed by members of Victoria Police that purchasing a vehicle or having their vehicle serviced or repaired is not essential. Additionally, there have been reports of automotive business owners being told that they are not permitted to open.
VACC has again raised these concerns with the Office of the Minister of Police, Lisa Neville and the following advice has been provided:
Police officers are not meant to be stopping people from travelling for work or restricting trade of businesses that can and should remain open as long as they are maintaining density quotients and physical distancing.
Accordingly, the Office of the Minister for Police has provided VACC's correspondence to the Chief Commissioner’s office to ensure it informs the ongoing messaging to police members during this time.
VACC is correct in that the automotive trade is not being prohibited from work or opening, so staff can work, and customers engage as appropriate and consistent with the CHO requirements around density quotients and physical distancing.
The Minister's Office has requested that VACC members provide specific instances where police officers have not conformed to the above guidelines, to allow for quick identification as to where the message needs to be reinforced. VACC has agreed to this and urges members to register their instances.
Take action: Register instance
While it is important that these concerns are addressed in a timely manner, the Chamber understands that this is a sensitive situation and applauds law enforcement for it's commitment to helping communities stay safe.