here is the latest update from ACAPMA outlining new lock down measures coming into effect today in Victoria and the surrounding boards
We are local, we are safe and we care, it’s in our DNA and it’s what makes us great
Take Care, Keep positive. The beers will be on ice soon and we are ordering the steaks
COVID-19 Roundup | as at 16:00 21/07/2020 (last Roundup 14/07/2020)
This message has been sent to the Principle for each business as per the ACAPMA Member Register. Please feel free to forward through your business as required.
Follow ACAPMA on LinkedIn for articles and resources as they are released, so you don’t have to wait until COB to get your information; https://au.linkedin.com/company/australasian-convenience-and-petroleum-marketers-association-acapma-
Whats New - Changes and Items of Interest
- JobKeeper Extended…but with changes
It is not our custom to include front page news in the Roundups…but this today you have been (and will continue to be) inundated with talk about the JobKeeper Changes and you are likely to be well across the actual changes (see the link below for more on the changes) but what can get lost in all of the noise is that, for now, NOTHING CHANGES UNTIL 27 SEPTEMBER 2020…until then it is JobKeeper as usual.
Today the Prime Minister and Treasurer announced an extension to the JobKeeper scheme and a raft of changes to the rates and eligibility with a view to boosting recovery from the COVID-19 recession. Changes to the amounts paid to staff based on the hours that they work, resulting in lower payments to staff and a removal of the disincentive to work (for part time and casual staff) are complimented by new rolling change to the eligibility of businesses from 28/9/2020. Wherein businesses will need to demonstrate ongoing and current distress in order to access the payments for the forward month/quarter. For more see; https://acapmag.com.au/2020/07/jobkeeper-extended-and-changed/
Also announced today the changes to JobSeeker involve an extension until December 2020 of the COVID Supplement (which will reduce from 28/9/2020) and the reactivaton of the mutual obligations on job seekers to evidence that they are actively looking for work.
As we saw last time, there are likely to be questions from businesses and staff, and there is also likely to be tweaks on the ATO or Treasury side as the program pushes out. As always please keep your questions and concerns coming in as we collectively navigate JobKeeper Part 2!
- Masks coming for Melbourne and Mitchell – Retail practicalities
As of 23:59 tomorrow, all persons in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire must wear masks when outside their homes. This measure has, rather predictably, sparked a rash of panic buying of masks. But it has also led many retailers to ask what their obligations are and what their approach should be in the event that a customer is not wearing a mask as required.
While it is hoped that there will be little to no issue with this Mask instruction, it is accepted that there may be circumstances, particularly in fuel retail, where it is helpful to have a plan to address this area and ensure that the plan is communicated to staff.
It is suggested, that like all expectations, particularly those that are outside of the businesses control, that communication is the first place to start. Post signage at the pumps outlining that the site is in the Melbourne or Mitchell Shire and as such, it is a requirement that all persons wear a mask (attached is a sample of such a sign). In addition to signage staff should be instructed to observe the forecourt and not to authorise the pumps for any person that does not have a mask on. In the event that a customer fills up before it is noticed that they are not wearing a mask staff should be instructed to use the PA System to remind the customer that they need to put on their mask. If the customer does not have a mask, but payment still needs to be processed, the customer should be directed to the nightpay window if present, or asked to cover their nose and mouth with their shirt.
It is important to note, and to communicate to staff, that it is not the site staffs job to enforce the law, and altercations should be avoided and situations deescalated, however, if there is a customer that is refusing to follow the instructions and troubleshooting (cover nose and face with shirt) then the details of the interaction, including time of the incident, customer description and the vehicle registration if applicable, should be recorded and passed to management for action. If there has been such an incident staff should also respond by doing a clean around all of the points the non-compliant customer was.
- Border Closures and Restrictions
From 23:59 tonight a border zone, defined along the Murry River will be established in NSW. There will be further restrictions on entry to NSW from VIC with all previous exemptions expiring. All permits issued allowing entry into NSW will expire at 23:59 tonight. Persons wishing to enter NSW will have to apply for a new permit and will find the criteria for issuing a permit tighter. The critical services permits (including fuel transport) and exemptions will be available under the new framework. However, even critical services will need to apply for a new permit from tomorrow. For more see; https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-covid-19-nsw-border-entry-permit and https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-andcant-do-under-rules/border-restrictions
ACAPMA Consolidated COVID-19 Articles and Resources
EMPLOYMENT
OPERATIONS
BORDER CLOSURES
BUSINESS RELIEF MEASURES
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Email employment@acapma.com.au and we will get you answers and fold those answers into these consolidated articles
Follow ACAPMA on LinkedIn, so you get the daily updates - https://au.linkedin.com/company/australasian-convenience-and-petroleum-marketers-association-acapma-
We are edging ever closer to less frequent changes in the COVID-19 space, and that is encouraging. There will come a time when we will not have to send out these updates, but for now the situation is changing so rapidly that these updates are seen as necessary to ensure that Members are updated. If you would like to be removed from the update list please reply to this email and request removal.
Stay safe everyone – long distance hugs and high fives for you all!
E
Should you require any further information or assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.
Kindest Regards
Elisha Radwanowski