27 March 2020
Your latest regular update. Construction remains an essential service and open for business. There are a few important updates today you need to know about.
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.
Pupil free day - Queensland schools
On Thursday, 26 March, the Queensland Government announced that an early Term 1 student break has been designated for all Queensland state school students.
Queensland Government has confirmed that supervision will be provided at schools during the week of 30 March to 3 April inclusive for children of essential workers.
Essential workers are those that must currently continue to attend their workplace during this difficult time - building and construction workers fall into this category.
Border shutdown *update*
Further advice is now available. If you are a Queenslander who travels frequently for work, you can choose to apply for a Queensland Entry Pass. You'll need to print it and display on your windscreen. If you’re a non-resident, to enter Queensland you'll need to apply for a Queensland Entry Pass.
Regardless, we recommend factoring in delays if you are crossing the border by car, and if you don't apply for the pass, have documentation - a letter, business cards, or a contract with a site address, to demonstrate why you are travelling.
Keep your distance checklist now available
With social distancing and hygiene requirements so important (or the industry will face shutdown) we've developed a checklist that you can download or print to help ensure you are meeting the guidelines.
By following these measures, we'll be able to stay open and keep as many jobs safe - so let’s do it together.
Lobbying for industry continues
It's our number one priority to keep you as an essential service for as long as possible.
We've been in constant contact with Minister De Brenni regarding our calls to delay the latest round of BIF laws and taking the focus off MFR reporting compliance and focusing on helping the industry through this time.
In addition to the raft of relief and stimulus measures we called for last week, we're specifically calling for the Queensland Government to give a public commitment to relaxing liquidated damages and enabling extensions without penalty for state government jobs. We have also called on them to encourage the private sector to do the same.
Information you need
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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