Another Victorian Government Slap in the Face for Car Washing
Car wash businesses across the state have done it tough through the Victorian COVID crisis, and now our hard-working wash operators find themselves excluded from accessing funds designed to support businesses impacted by restrictions.
Since February 2020, Victorian car washes have either had to deal with fewer cars on the roads or been forced to close their completely COVID safe businesses. More recently, during the “Circuit Breaker Lockdown”, car wash operators across the state were forced to close again. The list of authorised providers can be found here https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/authorised-provider-and-authorised-worker-list. Notably, car washing is not listed as either a provider or authorised worker.
Indeed some of the few washes that left their “click and collect” automatic wash services open were attended by Victoria Police and ordered to close.
All of this and now we find car washing has been excluded from accessing the Business Costs Assistance Program.
According to the Business Victoria website, ANZSIC class codes determine eligibility for the Business Costs Assistance Program. Conditions can be found here https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/circuit-breaker-business-support-package/business-costs-assistance-program?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BV%20Update%203%20June%202021%20V2&utm_content=BV%20Update%203%20June%202021%20V2+CID_fee5c4b40f5932428e353f3d1b8608d8&utm_source=BV%20Update%20enews&utm_term=Business%20Costs%20Assistance%20Program%20Round%20Two
Unfortunately, car washing is contained in ANZIC code 9412 (Automotive Body, Paint and Interior Repair). Most in this code class have been entitled to remain open throughout ALL lockdowns, but car washing has frequently been singled out as a business sector that must close! What a kick in the guts to all our members who have fought through these troubled times.
Members should be aware that since the conditions of the grants were published online last night, ACWA has taken up the charge in fighting for the rights of the car wash industry. We have already been in contact with a range of ministerial and opposition government officers, including:
- Business Victoria
- Minister for Small Business – Jaala Pulford
- The Treasurer – Tim Pallas
- Minister for Industry Support and Recovery – Martin Pakula
- Shadow Minister for Small Business (Opposition Leader) – Michael O’Brien
Importantly, this afternoon we have been advised by the Minister for Small Business Office that they are seeking clarification.
We will keep ACWA members up to date with our progress, but please join our fight by contacting your local member. Some text you may wish to use as the base of your contact follows:
Dear (representative name)
I am writing in the hope you can intervene on my behalf and correct an egregious injustice that sees car wash businesses excluded from the Business Costs Assistance Program despite being an industry completely decimated by COVID lockdowns and restrictions.
Car wash businesses across the state have been completely decimated throughout the COVID Pandemic. Since February 2020, Victorian car washes have either had to deal with fewer cars on the roads or been forced to close their completely COVID safe businesses. New now find ourselves excluded from accessing funds designed to support businesses impacted by restrictions.
During the recent “Circuit Breaker Lockdown”, car wash operators across the state were forced to close. The list of authorised providers can be found here https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/authorised-provider-and-authorised-worker-list. Car washing is not listed as either a provider or authorised worker. It should be noted that believing they were entitled to do so, a few car wash sites in Victoria remained open and operated their “click and collect” automatic wash service. However, during the lockdown last week, Vic Pol visited these sites and ordered them to close.
ANZSIC class codes determine eligibility for the Business Costs Assistance Program. Conditions can be found here https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/circuit-breaker-business-support-package/business-costs-assistance-program?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BV%20Update%203%20June%202021%20V2&utm_content=BV%20Update%203%20June%202021%20V2+CID_fee5c4b40f5932428e353f3d1b8608d8&utm_source=BV%20Update%20enews&utm_term=Business%20Costs%20Assistance%20Program%20Round%20Two.
Unfortunately, all commercial car washes are contained in ANZSIC code 9412 (Automotive Body, Paint and Interior Repair). Incredibly, many businesses in this code class have been entitled to remain open throughout ALL lockdowns, but CAR WASHING WAS ORDERED TO CLOSE!
(Name of Member), forced COVID 19 lockdowns have been devastating for my business and I need your help. My business and my family are seeking your assistance in correcting the unfairness in the conditions associated with the Business Costs Assistance Program.
