Metro-Regional Work Travel Permits have been introduced, as businesses in metro Melbourne reopen.
The Scheme period commenced on 27 October at 11:59pm and is currently due to end on 8 November 2020 at 11:59pm. Unlike the now-revoked Permitted Worker Permits Scheme, businesses only need to issue permits if workers need to travel between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria for work.
Importantly, if an employer has previously issued the employee with a valid Permitted Worker Permit, those permits may continue to be used for the duration of the Metro-Regional Work Travel Permit Scheme.
Under the new arrangement, the worker must also carry with them photographic personal identification. Employers are also required to keep a record of all Metro-Regional Work Travel Permits they have issued during the Scheme period.
Penalties of up to $19,826 (individuals) and $99,132 (for businesses) continue to apply to employers who issue permits to employees who do not meet the requirements of the scheme or who otherwise breach the scheme requirements. In addition, on-the-spot fines of up to $1,652 (individuals) and up to $9,913 (businesses) for anyone who breaches the scheme requirements also continue to apply.
For COVID-19 information and Chamber resources, VACC members are encouraged to review the latest OHS&E Unit and IR Department Bulletins on the member-website. Additionally, COVID-19 news can be found in the dedicated COVID-19 section of the website.
For more information
Department of Health and Human Services: Metro-regional work travel permit - Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Department of Health and Human Services: Directions from the Chief Health Officier