19 August 2021
Latest COVID-19 update for south-east Queensland, including easing of SEQ restrictions, NSW border crossing information, vaccination FAQs, small business support, contracts works and liability insurance obligations during lockdown
*Due to the changing nature of COVID-19, this information may no longer be correct. Please check state and federal government information for up-to-date guidance.
Easing of restrictions in SEQ
The announcement from the Queensland Government that restrictions across the 11 LGAs (Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands, Logan, Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley and Somerset) will ease from 4pm Friday, 20 August, was welcomed.
Masks
From 4pm Friday, if you are in one of the 11 LGAs, you must continue to carry a face mask with you at all times whenever you leave your home, unless you have a lawful reason not to. Masks are now only required at indoor places (such as shopping centres, cinemas, and supermarkets) and outdoors where you can’t socially distance. For indoor workplaces, you are required to wear a mask if you can’t socially distance.
Do I need to wear a face mask on a construction site?
If you’re indoors or outdoors on a construction site and cannot socially distance, you’ll need to wear a mask, if it’s safe to do so. The construction industry has remained open due to their successful adoption of COVID-safe practices and wearing a mask wherever possible is an essential part of this.
Travel to regional Queensland
Queenslanders can once again travel freely around Queensland from 4pm Friday.
Read more about the easing of restrictions in south east Queensland and the Queensland Government’s roadmap to easing restrictions.
QLD/NSW border
Crossing the border
From 1am 21 August, essential workers crossing the QLD/NSW border will be required to have at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
The Queensland entry declaration (Border pass X) is currently being updated and you may be required to provide evidence of your vaccination. Your digital vaccination certificate can be downloaded via the My Gov app or you can upload a copy of the vaccination card provided when you were vaccinated.
If you have been deemed an essential worker, you can receive a priority vaccination. You can attend select Queensland Health vaccination locations without a booking until Friday, 20 August.
Read more about travelling to Queensland.
NSW lockdown extended
The lockdown for regional NSW has been extended to at least 28 August 2021.
Can I mandate vaccination in the workplace?
Currently, employers in Queensland can’t force workers to be vaccinated, but they may require workers be vaccinated under specific circumstances. One example might be where the project is related to a site that has a government mandated requirement that only vaccinated people enter the site, such as work in an aged care facility, a hospital or an indigenous community.
With the situation as it is in Queensland now, we strongly encourage all employers and workers in the building and construction industry to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
It’s important to remember that vaccination is just one of a number of control measures, and building industry employers should continue to implement all reasonably practicable control measures in the workplace, such as physical distancing, good hygiene and increased cleaning and maintenance.
Every situation is different, and we urge members to call our Employment & wages team for advice specific to their scenario on 1300 30 50 10.
Business support available
2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants provide support for eligible businesses in the form of grants from $10,000 to $30,000 (depending on the size of your annual payroll).
Applications opened at midday on 16 August and will close on 16 November 2021.
Contract works & liability insurance during lockdown
Wherever you are, if your site has been impacted by lockdown and needs to shut temporarily, you’ll know you need to ensure it is shutdown safely, for both WHS and insurance purposes.
In addition to doing all the things you would normally do to safely and securely shutdown a site (redirecting deliveries, locking external fences and gates, securing plant and equipment, secure valuables, checking alarms, lighting, and CCTV are operational, etc), you should also check your contracts works and liability insurance policy wording for any conditions that might be related to site shutdowns or cessation of work.
Ensuring you comply with your policy will help ensure continuity of cover. If you would like to discuss your situation or are uncertain of your level of cover, please call the Master Builders Insurance Services team on 1300 13 13 26.
A DIVISION OF QUEENSLAND MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION. Australian Financial Services Licence No. 246834. Information contained herein is of a general nature and has not taken into account the particular insurance needs of any individual, business or person. Terms and conditions apply.
What is Master Builders doing to be the voice of the industry?
Throughout the COVID pandemic we have been non-stop lobbying on behalf of the industry, and we’ve had lots of success in demonstrating why it’s essential for us to remain open and how capable we are of putting in place COVID-safe practices and complying with restrictions.
Following the recent border closure and tightening of the definition of essential workers who can cross the border, our team have again been working with government to communicate the impact on our industry and to see what can be done. If any rules are relaxed, we will definitely be rushing to let members know about it.
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