Double Bulletin
28 September 4pm
Dear ACWA Member,
You will undoubtedly be thrilled to have learnt that ACWA and its members have been successful in bringing about change to Victorian Government Policy concerning car washing. Business Victoria and the DHHS have confirmed in writing today that automatic car washes in Melbourne can operate where they are attached to a retail fuel outlet.
ACWA is pleased we have been able to play a part in changing the Government’s position and getting your car wash sites operational again.
The link to the Government website can be found here, and a screenshot of the relevant page is attached https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/202009/Industry%20Restrictions%20%20Log%20of%20changes%20to%20the%20Permitted%20Work%20Premises%20List%20-%20updated%2027%20September.pdf.
We take this opportunity to remind everyone of their COVID responsibilities and attached relevant COVID-safe documentation produced by our OHS specialists at Eastman Lynch.
28 September 3pm
Dear Members,
ACWA advised members yesterday that there appeared to have been a recent change on the DHHS website that required further investigation. I can now inform you that there has been a change to the Government’s policy on AUTOMATIC car washes, but the change has been applied inconsistently across the industry.
Business Victoria and the DHHS have now confirmed that car washes in Melbourne can operate where they are attached to a retail fuel outlet. The link can be found here, and a screenshot of the relevant page is attached https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/202009/Industry%20Restrictions%20%20Log%20of%20changes%20to%20the%20Permitted%20Work%20Premises%20List%20-%20updated%2027%20September.pdf.
ACWA’s position has always been that ALL car wash sites are COVID-safe and should be opened. This said, we also advocated strongly for automatic washes be opened at a minimum, as it is a “click and collect” service and consistent with other retail click and collect services. Whilst ACWA and all those operators who participated in our campaign for change will be glad the Government has altered its position on car washing, a policy that discriminates against small business is intolerable.
To this end, ACWA has been in telephone contact with advisers responsible for the Minister for Small Business, Jaala Pulford and Minister for Industry Support and Recovery, Martin Pakula. ACWA has also emailed the Ministers directly, a copy is attached. We have received email contact this afternoon advising that our concerns will be escalated.
ACWA will continue to follow this matter up with vigour, and we will keep members informed of progress.
Finally, ACWA has been advised by several members that they are considering opening. The Association is not a regulator and makes no judgement in this regard however, we take this opportunity to remind everyone to keep safe. To ensure your site is safe when it is open , we attach relevant COVID-safe documentation produced by our OHS specialists at Eastman Lynch.
