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As has been the situation throughout the COVID pandemic, confusion reigns supreme regarding the need for businesses to have COVID Safe Plans.

Regulations vary from State to State and members should note that Public Health Directives in some States make COVID Safe Plans mandatory for all workplaces.  It is worthwhile also being aware that the maximum fine for non-compliance discovered by ACWA is up to $39,652.80 for individuals and $198,264.00 for companies.

ACWA encourages all car wash operators to better understand their obligations by heading to their State health service website.  Alternatively, save yourself the trouble and simply head to the ACWA website, log in and download your FREE COVID Safe Plan here https://acwa.net.au/members/car-wash-operator-member-services/covid-19-member-updates/ . The plan has been prepared specifically for the car wash industry by ACWA’s OHS experts at Eastman Lynch and, is available FREE to members.

Help protect the industry by ensuring your site is COVID safe.  Many States have avoided the industry closedowns experienced in some parts of Australia. However, ACWA takes this opportunity to remind everyone that, just one case of COVID 19 linked to a commercial car wash in ANY State, could have a devastating impact on the industry.

And frankly, it’s not just about compliance and license to operate; each of us has a moral obligation to protect the community we serve.

So, please play your part in ensuring that car washing contributes to community safety by downloading and implementing your COVID safe Plan today!

The images below are part of ACWA’s social media campaign to reopen car wash sites in Melbourne.  There are a series of messages like the ones below and if you would like to join the fight, let us know and we will send you the images.

The Coronavirus Economic Response Package (JobKeeper Payments) was recently passed by Parliament which will extend the Federal Government’s JobKeeper Scheme to 28 March 2021.

The main changes to JobKeeper 2.0 are:

• the need for employers to test their eligibility to receive JobKeeper payments for the period 28 September 2020 to 3 January 2021 and then again re-test their eligibility for the period 4 January 2021 to 28 March 2021;
• the decline in turnover must now be calculated on actual turnover on a quarterly basis; and
• the introduction of a two-tiered payment system for employees.

To ensure eligibility for JobKeeper 2.0, employers should:

1. Ensure accounting records are in order and are up to date by early October. Noting, eligibility is based on actual results for the quarter ending 30 September 2020.
2. Keep all accounting records up to date to ensure eligibility for the second quarter, which is based on actual results for the quarter ending 31 December 2020.
3. Compile payroll records for eligible employees and check the number of hours they worked on average during the relevant periods prior to 1 March 2020 and 1 July 2020.
4. Ensure the minimum wage condition is met based on the higher or lower rate (as appropriate).

Members who would like an excellent summary of the changes and, your obligations under the scheme, a link to a first-rate summary published by accountancy and consulting network, Moore Australia, can be found by logging into the Members Only area of the ACWA website and following the left-hand navigation to COVID resources  https://acwa.net.au/members.

 

The Victorian Government recently announced a third round of the Business Support Fund. Under this round of the Fund, eligible businesses will receive grants of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 depending on a business’s annual payroll.

Applications will remain open until funds are exhausted or until 11.59 pm on 23 November 2020, whichever is earlier.

Applications as well as eligibility criteria, guidelines and FAQs can be found on the Business Victoria website here:

Victorian Government Business Support Fund

It is ACWA’s understanding that the car wash ANZIC code (for which eligibility for the grant is determined) is 9412 – automotive repair and maintenance (see link) ABS ANZSIC Code.

 

The Premier of Victoria announced today that regional Victoria would move to step 3 in the “Roadmap to Recovery” from midnight tomorrow.

This means more businesses will open, and there will be a return to something that resembles normality for those living in country Victoria. For car wash owners, we look forward to seeing more cars on the road and hopefully an increase in traffic through their washes.

Car wash operators in regional Victoria should be aware that to operate, you must have a COVID-safe Plan in place. As previously advised, ACWA, via its workplace and safety experts at Eastman Lynch, have prepared a FREE specialist COVID-safe Plan for car wash operator members. This document can be downloaded from the member’s only section of the ACWA website. Login and download the plan here  https://acwa.net.au/members/.

ACWA encourages all members to go the extra mile with cleanliness and hygiene at their sites at this time. And, if you need supplies and products to help achieve the best possible safety for customers and staff at your site, check out supplier information on the website https://acwa.net.au/suppliers/chemicals.

We take this opportunity to remind Victorian-based car wash industry members of the Governments previously announced Business Support Fund Grants.  Applications for these grants CLOSE 14 September, and we encourage you to check your eligibility by going to the Business Victoria website  https://www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/business-support-package/business-support-fund.

Yesterday, the Victorian Government announced a third round of Business Support Fund Grants including $822 million in Business Support Fund grants for small to medium businesses.

The Government’s most recent media statement indicates that around 75,000 eligible businesses with payrolls up to $10 million will receive grants of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 depending on size. And there will be changes to payroll tax arrangements including deferrals and tax refunds.

Specifics and application processes have not been published yet; however, a summary of the Government’s proposal can be found here

https://www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/business-survival-and-adaptation-package/business-support-fund-3

To ensure you don’t miss vital information when it is released, you may also wish to subscribe to the Business Victoria newsletter https://www.business.vic.gov.au/subscribe-to-newsletters.

Obviously, we would all be better off if car wash operators could simply open and operate their COVID-safe businesses, but our plea for common sense continues to fall on deaf ears.

ACWA will continue to fight for changes to existing Government policy but we need your support.  Please help ACWA, help you by distributing our open letter and media releases far and wide.

The Victorian Government has stated a desire to get COVID-safe businesses up and running as soon as possible.  However, the Australian Car Wash Association (ACWA) is concerned that this is not the case.

ACWA has made multiple submissions to Ministers with portfolio responsibilities impacted by COVID-19 and, we take this opportunity to acknowledge Minister Martin Pakula for his concern for our crisis.

However, we have been unable to gain traction amongst decision-makers.  We are seeking a simple and rational change to Melbourne’s Stage 4 Restrictions that will allow our industry to survive the pandemic.

The car wash industry is significant.  Across the country, more than 3,000 car wash sites have an economic impact of $527m and employ over 5,000 people.  And Victoria leads the country, with more wash locations than any other state.  Sadly, this may not remain the case without your help.

Our industry in Melbourne and regional Victoria, is safer than almost any other permitted business activity.  Yet, regulators appear prepared to stand by and senselessly watch as car wash businesses, their families, and thousands of workers go to the wall.

Victoria’s car wash operators are set to become collateral damage in the war against coronavirus and, it does not have to be this way.

Commercial car washing meets all Government key criteria for an industry sector which can be safely opened for business.

Car Washing has an Extraordinarily Low Impact on Community Movement.

Data shows it is rarely something an individual specifically leaves home to purchase.  Indeed, most car wash customers buy the product whilst engaged in another activity; on the way to or from permitted work, filling their car with petrol or on the way to the supermarket for food.

Commercial Car Washing is COVID Safe.

Washing at a commercial car wash is an extremely low-risk activity for the Victorian public.  Particularly our automated drive-through services where drivers do not even have to leave their vehicles.

• Automatic car washes provide a “click and collect” service. Customers remain in the safety of their vehicle and have no human contact.
• Self-serve bays are wide enough to surround a vehicle, and tiled walls separate customers at all times.
• Soap and detergent are the natural enemies of the COVID-19 virus, and these products are those upon which a car wash is built.

Car Washing is Necessary

Most car maintenance experts recommend washing your car once a week to prevent contaminants from damaging the car’s paint and finish.

Some vehicles if not cleaned for the duration of the Stage 4 lockdown, will be permanently damaged.  Bugs and bird droppings are not just an unsightly inconvenience; they are acidic and cause lasting damage to vehicle paintwork.

For many, there is no alternative to using a commercial car wash to protect their asset.  Victorian EPA regulations make it illegal to wash your car in a driveway or on the street.

Car Washing Contributes to Community Safety

At a minimum, drivers need to keep windows and headlights clean to ensure their safety.

Car washing is entirely consistent with Health Authority reminders to reduce the spread of the COVID virus by frequently washing hands and disinfecting surfaces.

The Car Wash Industry in Melbourne, as well as regional Victoria, is unnecessarily haemorrhaging from the State’s COVID-19 Restrictions.  We repeat, it does not have to be this way.

COVID-19 restrictions have placed car wash businesses, their families, and thousands of workers under financial stress from which some may never recover.

They can safely open and should be able to do so.

The Victorian Car Wash Industry is pleading for help before it is too late.  ACWA is calling on the Government to deliver a sensible restart to the car wash industry.

At a minimum,  Melbourne’s Automatic car washes should be permitted to open from September 29, 2020.

PRESS RELEASE – Released 10 September 2020

The Australian Car Wash Association Calls for Changes to Victorian COVID Restrictions

Car wash operators across Melbourne were dealt a savage blow with the State Government’s release of its Roadmap to Recovery on Sunday 6 September, 2020.

Already suffering massive losses from reduced road traffic during Stage 3 Restrictions, Melbourne’s car wash sites were forced to close when Stage 4 Restrictions were imposed. And, under the Roadmap restrictions announced last weekend, commercial car washes will remain closed until October 26, 2020.

“Our Victorian car wash sites have been doing it tough since restrictions commenced,” said Neil Fox President of the Australian Car Wash Association (ACWA).

“In March/April our members, who are mostly small family-owned business, reported wash numbers down by up to 90% in some locations.  It became even worse when forced to close during Stage 4 Restrictions” said Fox.  “The COVID-19 restrictions have placed these businesses, their families, and thousands of unskilled workers under financial stress from which some may never recover”.

The Australian Car Wash Association (ACWA) has made a submission to the Victorian Government Ministers to have Melbourne’s car wash sites open from September 29, 2020.

The car wash industry is significant. Across the country, more than 3,000 car wash sites have an economic impact of $527m and employ over 5,000 people.  And, Victoria leads the country with more wash locations than any other state.

The industry has its big players, including the major fuel companies.  However, it is predominantly a community of small business men and women who have invested heavily in equipment that can take years to produce a financial return.

The industry’s biggest frustration is that car washing ticks all the Government’s boxes for a sector that should be able to open when restrictions ease slightly on September 29:

1. Car washing has a low impact on community movement – Car washing is a vital product purchase for many however, most car wash customers purchase the product when engaged in another permitted activity; on the way to or from permitted work, whilst filling their car with petrol or on the way to the supermarket for food.
2. Automatic car washes in particular, provide a “click and collect” service – Customers remain in their vehicle, have no human contact whatsoever and with touch-free payment options available, there is almost no risk of COVID transmission.
3. Commercial car washes operate in the lowest possible risk environment – outdoors.

“The Victorian Government has indicated a desire to get COVID-safe businesses up and running as soon as possible.  Commercial car washing is an extraordinarily safe product purchase, particularly the automated drive-through services where drivers do not have to leave their cars” said Fox

“We will continue to work with the Government to deliver a sensible restart to the car wash industry and we believe at a minimum Melbourne’s Automatic car washes should be permitted to open from September 29 2020”.

 

ENDS

 

For further information and interview opportunities please contact

Doug Cross

Business Manager

Australian Car Wash Association

0499013376

Letter Sent to Members 8 September 2020

 

Dear ACWA Member

It gives me no pleasure to provide this update for Victorian members.

Over the course of our Victorian COVID-19 journey together ACWA has pointed out that some car wash operators have elected to open their sites within a “grey area” contained in the Chief Medical Officer’s Stage 4 Restricted Activity Directions.

Premier Andrews has now confirmed in two television press conferences that the Government’s intention of Stage 4 Restrictions is less about reducing the risk of contracting COVID at a business and, more about reducing movement of the population to stop community transmission. They want to give people as few excuses to leave their home as possible, and to achieve this, they need as many businesses closed as possible.

To this end, in the short time since the Andrews’ Government’s Road Map to Recovery announcement on Sunday, it has become apparent that DHHS has become much more proactive in making contact with businesses they believe are operating in contravention of the Chief Medical Officer’s Stage 4 Restrictions.

ACWA is now aware that the DHHS, via their COVID-19 Enforcement and Compliance Inspectors, have been in contact with at least two Melbourne sites and ordered the car washes be closed. Through these contacts with DHHS inspectors, ACWA has been made aware of a specific reference to car washing on the DHHS website.

It is located in the Q and A section of the DHHS site, and states:

Can a car wash in metropolitan Melbourne still operate? 

Car washes, including those operating as part of petrol stations, must cease under Stage 4 restrictions.   

ACWA does not know when this information was placed on the website and the DHHS when contacted, were not able to confirm a date. For those interested, the specific instruction can be found here https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/shopping-retail-and-personal-services-metropolitan-melbourne-covid-19#can-a-car-wash-in-metropolitan-melbourne-still-operatenbsp

The unfortunate situation for car washing in Metropolitan Melbourne is now clear, and car wash sites must be closed.

Importantly, if there is an upside to the “grey area” being closed, it is that ACWA can now take a vastly more proactive lobbying role without placing members who were continuing to operate in jeopardy.

Following our emergency Board Member Meeting this morning and, as previously advised, ACWA has been vigorously lobbying for car washes to be opened with Victorian Members of Parliament. This is a strategy we will continue to aggressively pursue on behalf of all members. Once again, we encourage your assistance in broadening the political conversation amongst local members.

In addition to political lobbying, ACWA will be raising the consciousness of the plight of car wash operators amongst Victorian media outlets. These personal media contacts will be supported by a series of media releases in the coming days. Please consider how you may be able to play a role in distributing these to any local media contacts and/or social media groups you may belong to.

Please be aware that my fellow ACWA Directors and I, as well as our staff, are working hard behind the scenes to get the best possible outcome for the Victorian car wash industry. We will not rest until we have explored every opportunity available to us.

I will continue to keep you informed.

Neil Fox

President

Sent: Monday, 7 September 2020 11:58 AM

Like most, ACWA looked on in horror as Premier Daniel Andrews delivered his “Roadmap” out of Coronavirus restrictions yesterday.  In effect, there were some crumbs thrown to the general population through the extension of allowed exercise time and a one-hour extension to the night-time curfew.  Still, in reality, nothing changed for the State’s struggling business community.

Under conditions released yesterday, existing restrictions for car wash operators will remain until October 26, 2020.  Even then, changes will only be made if the 14 day average of COVID-19 daily case numbers falls below 5 (state-wide) AND there are less than 5 cases with an unknown source in the last 14 days (state-wide total).

As you all – as our valued Association members expect of us, we have been actively engaging with the Victorian State Government.  While we have been able to establish some traction, most Ministers, including the Premier, are issuing standard responses; “COVID-19 has created an enormous amount of enquiry, and we will get back to you in 6 to 8 weeks“.

ACWA is not alone in its frustration:

• Mr Rob Scott the CEO of Wesfarmers, despite being head of one of Australia’s biggest companies said in today’s Australian Newspaper; “he was unable to speak with the Victorian government to provide feedback to help develop their recovery strategy for businesses”.  (Wesfarmers employs about 30,000 people in Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks and Target stores in Victoria).
• Peak national employer body, Australian Industry Group, accused the government of a lack of consultation and branded the roadmap “a document of despair for industry and their employees”. “We participated in consultations on the plan in good faith, but it is clear the Victorian government has chosen to ignore practical advice about how to now safely reopen workplaces and get the economy moving,” AI Group CEO Innes Willox said.
• Yesterday’s announcement also blindsided the Victorian Chamber of Commerce. Chief Executive of the VCCI, Paul Guerra, an organisation with a seat at the table during “Roadmap” consultations said “We were hoping for a road to recovery. Today we have been delivered a road to nowhere.”

Despite the setbacks to date, ACWA will continue to lobby and fight on behalf of car wash operator members. There is no logical reason for car washing to be impacted by restrictions; our key messages remain:

1. Car washing has already suffered an unnecessary and devastating impact from COVID-19 business restrictions, particularly amongst the industry’s small business operators.
2. Car washes contribute to community safety and hygiene. We provide an essential public service.
3. Car Washes can operate in a COVID Safe Environment, an environment that ensures the safety of staff and customers.
4. Car Washing remains an ecological necessity.

We remind members that they can play a role in the political process via their local member. Ring them, email them and knock on their office door if you have to.  If you would like assistance with your correspondence please let us know and we will provide key information.

I have called an emergency meeting of ACWA Directors for 9am tomorrow morning and I will keep all members up to date with our progress at this extraordinarily difficult time.

 

Neil Fox

ACWA President