News

ACWA Announces Postponement of the 2021 Rinse! National Tour

Before Christmas ACWA announced the launch of the Rinse! National Tour.

At the time of the announcement, the Australian COVID-19 landscape appeared stable. However, over the Christmas holiday period, there have been new COVID 19 outbreaks in NSW, Victoria and Queensland resulting in both quarantine and border chaos.

Mercifully infection numbers in all states have been low, and our businesses continue to operate. However, the response from Government has included swift, sweeping and volatile changes to interstate travel policies.

Regrettably, the high-risk travel environment created by the changes makes conducting Rinse! in the foreseeable future impossible. Noting, that potential State lockdowns and border closures pose the very real risk of leaving staff stranded interstate.

As a result, ACWA has been forced to postpone the Rinse! events.

Everyone at ACWA has been looking forward to catching up with our members and creating something of an industry celebration to kick-off 2021. And, we have been overwhelmed by the response and, particularly, the backing of Rinse! 2021 by our supplier members.

To put it colloquially, we are “gutted” to have to make this announcement.

We will advise the revised dates ASAP.

Earlier this morning Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced significant changes to health regulations in the Greater Brisbane area. This included a declaration that residents in the local government areas of Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands and Logan will be required to stay at home.

The lockdown announcement is for three days and commences at 6 pm tonight, Friday 8 January, until 6 pm Monday 11 January.

Full details of restrictions can be found here https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/greater-brisbane-lockdown.

Please note that essential businesses (including car washes) can remain open as they did during the March 2020 restriction period. However, if located in an impacted area, your car wash will need to have a COVID Safe Plan to remain operational. 

Importantly masks must be worn everywhere in the declared local government areas except if people are in their home.  Car wash operators should ensure ALL STAFF are issued with masks while on-site and further, ensure they are worn.

For information, the Businesses that must close are as follows:

• Retail food services including pubs, restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets except for takeaway services.
• Entertainment facilities, such as theatres, cinemas, music halls and concert halls.
• Hairdressers
• Amusement centres, such as places to play billiards, pool, pinball machines or video games.
• Indoor recreation facilities such as squash courts, indoor swimming pools and gyms.
• Places of public worship, except for weddings and funerals in line with the person limits.
• Spas, nail salons, hairdressers, beauty salons, waxing salons, tanning salons and tattoo parlours
• Massage parlours unless provided by a registered health practitioner or qualified massage therapist.
• Auction houses
• Betting agencies and gaming lounges
• Markets, except for food and farmers markets
• Galleries, museums and libraries
• Community facilities, such as community halls
• Sex on-premises services, sex services premises and strip clubs
• Public swimming pools
• Nightclubs

Previous ACWA notices about sanitation, social distancing and COVID Safe Plans should be implemented immediately. Queensland Government COVID Safe Plan information can be found here https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/approved-industry-covid-safe-plans.

ACWA Members can access COVID Safe Plan Templates by logging into the member’s area of the ACWA website https://acwa.net.au/members

Launched in Brisbane in September 2019, the inaugural Rinse! was an outstanding success. We are now looking forward to hosting Australia’s friendliest car wash industry event as we take Rinse! to the next level, with 2021 Rinse! National Tour.

Rinse! Boardwalk Showcase

The focal point of the exhibition, the Rinse! Boardwalk Showcase.  The Showcase presents car wash operators the opportunity to learn about the latest products in the marketplace from Australia’s leading car wash industry suppliers.

Rinse! After wash

Following the Boardwalk Showcase, enjoy a casual get together at Afterwash where you can continue to talk business or enjoy a drink and nibbles with car wash industry colleagues and friends.

Check out the date Rinse! is visiting your State and make sure it is in your diary in 2021.

The ACWA office will be closed for a short time over the Christmas and New Year holiday season/  We will be closed between:

Thursday 24 December 2020 until Monday 11 January 2021.

We take this opportunity to thank all members for their support during this testing year.  We look forward to working with you all again in 2021.

For any help with emergencies during this time, please call 0400 070 417.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

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.

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!