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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.

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.