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Public Health Measures for Queensland Businesses from 17 December 2021 (or 80% Vaccination).

Thank you to ACWA Member Ben Haycroft (Workplace Central) and Director Richard Brown for providing details released yesterday regarding COVID control measures for business post the Queensland 80% double vaccinated landmark (estimated to be 17 December 2021.

At this time, the only information we have been able to access for businesses is available at the following link https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/queensland-restrictions-80-percent-vaccination?_cldee=ZGVyZWtAYm1hZ2Jpei5jb20uYXU%3d&recipientid=account-cbad5625cb99ea11a811000d3a795180-eb06b7048db84f278f5a7733a730a9c5&esid=551aea88-0f41-ec11-8c62-0022481591cb

In summary, when Queensland hits the target of 80% double dose, unvaccinated people will not be able to access “non-essential”  services.  Importantly, both staff and customers must be fully vaccinated to work in or visit any business where restrictions exist.

Essential businesses will be prescribed when the Chief Medical Officer issues the official public health directions. However, the government is suggesting essential services will be those that remained open during lockdowns.  They have further indicated that the venues or activities most likely to be impacted are those with a higher risk of transmission or settings where contact tracing can be difficult.  These conditions are unlikely to impact car wash operations.

ACWA has previously written to the Queensland Government to ensure car washing is considered essential. We will follow this through in the coming days; however, the summary provided below indicates there should be no issue for the continued operation of car washing for all members of the community. See the information here https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0021/220377/DPC7976-Vaccine-status-plan.pdf

Operators should note that it is required that businesses make all reasonable efforts to collect contact information using the Check-In Qld App about all people who enter the premises (including staff) unless an exception applies.

ACWA strongly recommends that if operators have not already done so, they ensure sites have appropriate signage and are using the Check-In Queensland QR Code system. Details can be found here https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public-health-directions/business-activity

ACWA will provide additional advice when it becomes available.

It appears members operating in NSW are not impacted by the announcement of new restrictions on business imposed by the NSW Government over the weekend. The new restrictions can be found here;

• Restrictions for Northern Beaches https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules/northern-beaches
•  Restrictions for Greater Sydney, Central Coast and Wollongong  https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules/greater-sydney

With potentially fewer people moving about, there may be a downturn in business through your washes.  Obviously this is not an ideal outcome as we come into the Christmas break however, we hope the situation will be under control quickly and, the impact minimised.

Please play your role in keeping the community and staff safe through this challenging time.  ACWA takes this opportunity to ask you to consider implementing the following simple steps:

• Ensure staff are adequately briefed on their responsibilities and your wash’s safety procedures
• Ensure adequate supplies of hand sanitiser are available for staff and customers
• Ensure social distancing signage is in place – Available for FREE to members by logging into the members only section of the ACWA website  https://acwa.net.au/members/#myaccount
• Encourage the use of masks by all staff
• Even though car washing is not mandated to do so, ACWA strongly recommends your have a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe.
• By completing the NSW Government’s online Plan, your wash will receive  the “COVID Safe businesses blue tick badge ”which can be displayed on your premises and shows your customers that you’re committed to their safety

We wish all members a happy and safe Christmas at this difficult time.

ACWA has been asked by washes located in SA and WA if they are required to implement their State’s QR COVID Tracing System.

Dealing with COVID regulations is never easy, and each state expresses and creates their directions in a different manner.  The following reflects the detail of our state-by-state research.

Importantly, ALL STATES REQUIRE BUSINESSES TO HAVE A COVID SAFE PLAN.  COVID Safe Business Plan Templates for car washes can be these can be downloaded from the Member’s Section of the ACWA Website.

South Australia

In South Australia, it is arguable that car washes need to use the QR Scan System as they don’t quite fit the definition of a Defined Public Activity. In SA, the following businesses are required to use the QR Code System:

• onsite purchase and consumption of food or beverages (whether occurring in an indoor or outdoor area)
• sport (including sports training), fitness or recreation activities
• indoor public meetings
• ceremonies
• private functions
• provision of personal care services
• provision of public entertainment
• provision of recreational transport
• the operation of a nightclub
• the operation of relevant licensed premises
• the operation of a casino or gaming area (within the meaning of the Gaming Machines Act 1992)
• auctions and inspections of premises for the purpose of sale or rental of any property
• driver instruction
• an assembly within the meaning of the Public Assemblies Act 1972
• the provision of health care, residential care, disability support or aged care services.
• A general retail industry premises is a place where retail sale or hire of goods or services for personal, household, or business use occurs and where customers are physically present. This includes supermarkets, department stores, hardware stores, and general retail.

For clarity, car washing was not considered a retail sales business during past COVID restrictions conditions and therefore ACWA does not believe it falls into this category now.   Details can be found here:

https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/restrictions-and-responsibilities/covid-safe-check-in#:~:text=When%20people%20arrive%20at%20a,through%20the%20mySA%20Gov%20app.&text=From%201%20December%2C%20all%20defined,approved%20contact%20tracing%20system%20enabled.

As mentioned above, our assessment above is based on the consideration that car washing was not considered a retail sales business under previous COVID restrictions conditions.

However, a respected South Australian ACWA Member has pointed out that the SA Government’s COVID Safe Plan (which can be located here https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/business-and-work/create-a-covid-safe-plan ) only took 5 minutes to complete and, in doing so, gave peace of mind that all bases were covered.

Other SA car wash operators may wish to take the same approach.

 

Western Australia

In Western Australia, particular businesses are required to maintain contact registers for WA Health Department COVID-19 contact tracing, if needed. Contact registration is encouraged but not mandatory for other businesses and gatherings.

Businesses required to use the QR Code System are as follows:

• food and licensed venues (restaurants, cafés, bars, pubs, taverns, nightclubs)
• gyms, indoor sporting centres, wellness centres, health clubs and fitness centres
• indoor play centres
• saunas and bathhouses
• swimming pool, both indoors and outdoors
• places of worship, and funeral parlours
• beauty and personal care services (hairdressers, barbers, nail salons, tattoo parlours, spa and massage parlours)
• galleries and museums
• cinemas, theatres and other entertainment venues (casino, gaming or gambling venues)
• auction houses and real estate inspections
• community facilities, libraries and halls
• zoos and amusement parks
• function centres
• hotels, motels, campgrounds or other accommodation facilities that ordinarily have check-in arrangements
• boarding schools or residential colleges (not including residents)
• adult entertainment premises (strip clubs, brothels and sex on premises venues)

Further information can be found here:https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/covid-19-coronavirus-contact-registers-businesses-and-venues-frequently-asked-questions

 Victoria

In Victoria, the use of the QR Code System is optional however there is a record-keeping requirement applies to all persons attending a facility or venue for longer than 15 minutes, which may include staff, customers, maintenance and delivery workers.

This should be part of your business’s COVID Safe Plan.

 New South Wales

In NSW, messaging is complicated and unclear however, we don’t believe car washing appears to be a business that is required to mandatorily collect customer data or use that State’s QR Code System. Once again, it is essential to note that companies should be operating with a COVID Safe Plan.

NSW information can be found here.  https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe  we hope you have better luck interpreting and finding the details than ACWA did!

 Queensland

In Queensland, only “restricted businesses” are required to collect contact tracing details. Car washing is not a restricted business.

Information is available here. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/legislation/cho-public-health-directions-under-expanded-public-health-act-powers/business-activity-undertaking-direction

 Tasmania 

Use of the app is not mandatory, and car washing is not a business listed as requiring the collection of customer data.

A list of businesses required to collect data can be found here https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/business-and-employees/business-restrictions

Canberra

Use of the app is not mandatory, and car washing is not a business listed as requiring the collection of customer data.

A list of businesses required to collect data can be found here https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/View/ni/2020-790/current/PDF/2020-790.PDF

 Northern Territory

Use of the app is not mandatory, and car washing is not a business listed as requiring the collection of customer data.

A list of businesses required to collect data can be found here https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/951879/cho-directions-no56-safety-measures-places-businesses-activities-services-premises.pdf

Business Victoria has announced several initiatives which may be of interest and financial benefit to car wash operators.

First Peoples’ COVID-19 Business Support Fund

Applications are now open for the First Peoples’ COVID-19 Business Support Fund. Aboriginal businesses that have been affected by the pandemic, such as through temporary closure or trading restrictions, can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to help them get back on their feet.

Applications are open until 29 January 2021 or until funds are exhausted, whichever is earlier. Full details can be found here https://www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/aboriginal-business-support-program?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BV%20Update%2023%20November%202020&utm_content=BV%20Update%2023%20November%202020+CID_bc33c63117a1d8ea8c667964b55fa402&utm_source=BV%20Update%20enews&utm_term=Apply%20now

 

Sole Trader Support Fund Deadline Extension.

Applications for the Sole Trader Support Fund have been extended to 30 December to assist sole trader businesses in specific industries with their transition to COVID normal.

Grants of $3000 are available to help with costs and details can be located here https://www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/business-resilience-package/sole-trader-support-fund?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BV%20Update%2023%20November%202020&utm_content=BV%20Update%2023%20November%202020+CID_bc33c63117a1d8ea8c667964b55fa402&utm_source=BV%20Update%20enews&utm_term=Apply%20now

 

Small Business Digital Adaptation Program

The Small Business Digital Adaptation Program allows eligible businesses to trial and receive access to digital products, tools and training. These can be used to build digital capability in day-to-day operations. Products currently available to businesses through this program include website, e-commerce and finance tools.

Details can be found here https://www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/business-resilience-package/Small-Business-Digital-Adaptation-Program?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BV%20Update%2023%20November%202020&utm_content=BV%20Update%2023%20November%202020+CID_bc33c63117a1d8ea8c667964b55fa402&utm_source=BV%20Update%20enews&utm_term=Apply%20now

 

COVID Safe Plans are Mandatory in Victoria

Victorian car wash operator members are also reminded that they are required by law to have a COVID Safe Plan in place.

ACWA’s COVID Safe Plan for wash operators can be found in the Members Only section of the ACWA website https://acwa.net.au/members . Click the link and then use the left-hand navigation and head to COVID-19 Member’s Resources.

South Australian Members impacted by COVID and/or the recent circuit breaker lockdown are reminded that the South Australian Government introduced the second round of Small Business Grants on September 30.

If you are participating in the JobKeeper Program, your business may be eligible.

The grants include $10,000 for qualified small businesses employing staff and receiving the JobKeeper extension from September 28 2020 (JobKeeper extension 1) or from January 4 2021 (JobKeeper extension 2).

The Second Round Small Business Grants also introduce $3,000 grants for small businesses that do not employ staff, are operating from commercial premises, and are receiving JobKeeper extension 1 or 2.

Make sure you’re not missing out by checking the details on-line at https://www.treasury.sa.gov.au/Growing-South-Australia/COVID-19/Small-Business-Grants-Round-2

Overnight the South Australian Government published a new Direction in relation to the Stay at Home requirements for South Australians.  Specific details can be found by clicking this link

https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/318310/EMA-Stay-at-HomeCOVID-19-Direction-2020.pdf

Car Wash Businesses Must be Closed

Under Clause 5 (1) of the directions, it appears clear that car wash businesses must be closed until 12.01 am 25 November 2020  –  “Community activities including business, professional, educational, academic and government activities must stop operation unless it is carried out in line with this direction or does not involve leaving the home”.

Attending A Site to Close Down and Maintain

 Provisions in the Directions have been made under Clause 3 (s) allowing car wash operators (and staff) to attend their site to close down the facility and attend to any matter that may cause damage to the site – “A factory or facility that is not able to be shut down without causing damage to plant and equipment, but only those operations that are necessary in order to prevent that damage”

 Whilst not a requirement of the Directions, ACWA recommends:

• Any staff member attending the site should be provided with a letter stating that they are an essential worker under Clause 3 (s) of the Stay at Home Directions and are attending the site to undertake work that would otherwise cause damage to plant and equipment.  A letter for this purpose is attached.
• A COVID Safe Plan is completed.  Specialist car wash COVID Safe Plans are available to members by logging into the ACWA Website https://acwa.net.au/members/ and using the left hand navigation by clicking on COVID 19 Member Resources.   The relevant Plan is titled ACWA COVID Safe Plan When Site is Closed.

Next Steps

There is current media speculation that restrictions on business may continue after 24 November 2020.  ACWA will be contacting relevant South Australian Government Ministers and departments outlining car washing’s case for reopening at the earliest possible opportunity.

The impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic forced the postponement of Car Wash Show Australia which was set to be held on the Gold Coast in September this year.

At its meeting on 18 August, the ACWA Board resolved to reschedule the Show to September 2022. We all have our fingers crossed that the Coronavirus situation will have been determined by then but, with the twists and turns the Pandemic has delivered to date, uncertainty around national and international travel restrictions remains.

The Association is seeking to re-establish the event at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, subject to receiving a competitive quote. We will keep everyone abreast of developments.

Stand-by to Rinse! Off the COVID Blues

As impossible as it sounds, the forced rescheduling of Car Wash Show Australia until 2022 means it will be five-years between Shows! And, to fill the gap, ACWA will introduce a new series of Rinse! Events and these will be programmed as soon as domestic travel conditions return to normal.

Rinse! is a car wash industry event like no other. It doesn’t pretend to have the bells, whistles and razzmatazz of Car Wash Show Australia, it simply presents a no-frills opportunity to connect car wash operators with dozens of industry suppliers, in just a few hours! The inaugural Rinse!, run in Brisbane during September last year was a huge success, and in the year ahead we are planning on taking Rinse! Australia-wide.

Come on COVID, give us a break will ya we’ve got Rinse! events to organise.

It was less than three weeks ago that ACWA conducted its Zoom Workshop on the newly announced Federal Government JobKeeper 2.0. Thank you to the almost 30 members who took part.

As we have found out time and time again during this Pandemic, things can change rapidly.

As a result of the severe COVID-19 breakout in Victoria, and the forced business closures in metropolitan Melbourne, Jobkeeper 2.0 has been tweaked. The good news, however, is that the new conditions may open the door for additional car wash operators to access the scheme.

Let’s take a quick look at JobKeeper to date:

• The Government confirmed that JobKeeper 1.0 would continue to operate on its original terms until it announced expiry date of 27 September 2020.
• On 21 July 2020, the Federal Government announced an extension to the original JobKeeper scheme and introduced JobKeeper 2.0. While it is helpful that the scheme was to be extended, the amount of support that is to be paid to eligible business was to be significantly reduced, and the qualification requirements tightened.
• In August, changes to JobKeeper 2.0 were announced, with rules that take effect from 28 September 2020. In summary:
  • There are two further extensions of JobKeeper proposed. They will run for the period of 28 September 2020 until 3 January 2021, and the second 4 January 2021 until 28 March 2021.
  • The qualification requirements are more rigorous than JobKeeper 1.0 but less rigorous than those initially announced in JobKeeper 2.0.
  • Under the revised qualification requirements, employers wishing to qualify for support during the first extension period until 3 January 2021, will have to show a drop in income of at least 30% in the September quarter 2020 against a similar period, most likely the same period in 2019.

Confused? There’s no need to be because our great friend Graham Lilleyman from ESSA has prepared a fantastic paper explaining all the details.

Simply log in to the Members Only Section of the ACWA website and use the navigation to the COVID-19 Resources area.

Our WHS partners at Eastman Lynch have provided generic COVID-19 Safe Plans for car wash operators.

Thanks to Danny and the Eastman Lynch Team.

While the document was prepared at enormous speed to help out Melbourne based members needing to maintain their sites during Melbourne during Stage 4 restrictions, we take this opportunity to remind operators around Australia that COVID-19 has not gone away.

Please keep enforcing safe distancing and hygiene processes at your sites.

We encourage everyone to take a look at the COVID Safe Plan and see if there are elements of the plan you could apply at your site, making it just a little safer. Simply log in to the Members Only Section of the ACWA website and use the navigation to get to the COVID-19 Resources area.

Check out ACWA’s Facebook Page

ACWA President Neil Fox recently provided ICA members his perspectives on the Australian car wash market. Check out the video on Facebook.  Go to the Australian Car Wash Association – Members Group.