23 April 2020
Your latest regular update. We'll continue to bring you the information you need, as it's available. Today we will cover our continued push for stimulus measures, an update on the JobKeeper payment and changes to the Fair Work Act, FAQs about border crossings, why you might need a business continuity plan, plus a new resource for clients who are selecting products...
This COVID-19 member update is unlocked and free to all in the interests of the building and construction industry. Did you know members have exclusive access to information and our team of experts who are on hand to assist in a range of ways? Need more specific COVID-19 advice relating to contracts, WHS, employment conditions or the relief measures? Members can contact us or learn how to join so you can speak with our experts and get free advice.
*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.
Building industry faces COVID-19 precipice
A recent COVID-19 impact survey warns of the looming crisis facing the building industry that will impact Queensland’s building industry far beyond the current impacts of COVID-19.
While lockdown restrictions have already started to bite for the industry, the true impact is yet to be felt; but this could be mitigated with swift and decisive action from the Queensland Government.
Push for stimulus
We have been lobbying the Australian and Queensland Governments to consider stimulus measures that go beyond the current relief packages and these latest survey results only reinforce our calls.
We want to safeguard thousands of jobs and small businesses and our recently launched, targeted campaign calls on the Queensland Government to supercharge and fast-track their stimulus measures even further.
Let’s get creative with a new look grant to boost new home builds, a program to fund home renovations to make homes more energy efficient and bring forward public spending on buildings, like schools and hospitals.
We understand the enormity of the challenge the government faces, but these stimulus measures cannot wait.
Share the details far and wide
- Email a copy of the flyer to your local and state member of parliament, the Premier or Mick de Brenni MP.
- Share with your clients, customers and your employees.
- Add our digital banner to your emails and newsletters with a link to our Lobbying campaign page.
- Share our Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter posts to your own followers.
Let's tell everyone why it's so important to keep building going.
JobKeeper directions
The JobKeeper payment is now full steam ahead. In addition to the ATO-managed subsidy, federal parliament has approved special JobKeeper changes to the Fair Work Act.
These changes allow employers to direct employees to work limited days and hours, perform wider duties and attend alternate locations. Employers may also reach agreement with employees on changing the pattern of working 38 ordinary hours. The directions apply despite the operation of an award or EBA.
The directions can only be made if an employer is JobKeeper eligible.
One in, all in - JobKeeper payment
Once an employer satisfies the business downturn test (30 percent or more decline for most businesses), they must nominate all eligible employees. They must also pay no less than $1500 per fortnight to the employees. The employer cannot pick and choose which employees will be invited to nominate for the scheme.
Contact Master Builders Workplace Relations team if you have a nominated employee who has taken leave of absence without pay.
One day notice to vote on EBA variation
As part of a suite of COVID-19 related responses, the federal government has reduced the minimum period for voting on an EBA variation. The period between issuing employees a notice to vote on an EBA variation and the employees taking a vote, has been reduced from seven days to one day.
This change may assist employers who are ineligible for the JobKeeper payment and who’s EBA is adversely affecting their capacity to adapt to the demands on social distancing.
Border restriction FAQs
The Queensland Government recently answered some common questions about border restrictions. They've provided answers to questions about Queensland residents returning to Queensland, entering Queensland after overseas travel, returning from a COVID-19 hotspot, who is considered exempt from the restrictions (including work exemptions, such as construction), and rules for FIFO workers.
You can find other common safety, social distancing and hygiene FAQs on our website. The Department of Housing & Public Works have also produced a guide for the building and construction industry.
Business continuity plans
Business continuity plans help you prepare and plan your business for an incident or crisis. They can also help manage your continued operations afterwards.
If you're asked to provide a business continuity plan, the Australian Government's Business website has some good resources that explain why you need a business continuity plan and what should be included.
New safety resources
Client notice for product selections
We've had reports from residential builders and contractors of client concern about visits to suppliers for the purpose of product selection.
We've developed a notice you can provide to clients, to confirm that they are required to visit suppliers to make product selections as per their building contract.
Resources
We're trying to make it easier with loads of resources available:
- Health Disclosure Form (clients) - use this when visiting clients and private premises
- Health Disclosure Form (visitors) - use this form for visitors coming to your site or business
- Notice to supply to clients - use this to confirm for clients you are authorised to attend
- COVID-19 site sign - use this to educate your workers on the guidelines
- COVID-19 site sign (public) - use this to reinforce to the public and workers on the measures you are taking
- Keep your distance checklist - use this to ensure you are following all the recommendations
- COVID-19 entry authorisation sign – use this for sites without constant supervision of visitors entering at the gate. Visitors can use this as a health self-assessment
- Digital banner (PDF or JPEG) – use this banner in your advertising and newsletters to demonstrate to customers and stakeholders that you are following the COVID-19 rules.
We're here for you
We've got the information you need on:
- Contractual information for site shutdown or program delays
- How to deal contractually with a product delay
- Safety & hygiene practices
- Employment conditions
- Common employment FAQs
- Relief and stimulus packages
- Mental health and well-being
Help and advice
As usual, our staff are here to help. Whether you've got a question about protecting your business contractually, an employment or a health and safety question, our specialists are here and available to talk you through the options - get in touch.
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