ECEC to have their say about permit system as Vic awaits reopening plan

The Victorian Government will release its reopening roadmap this Sunday, 6 September, and is seeking input from the Victorian community as part of “an intensive, and extensive, round of discussions with industry, unions and community organisations to inform the final development of Victoria’s roadmap to ‘COVID Normal’.”

As part of this discussion, the Government will also seek feedback on the current worker permit system and childcare arrangements, saying these insights will be vital in the transition.

The consultation will be based around six principles for industry on a COVIDSafe re-opening, and based on the best advice from public health experts, Premier Daniel Andrews said. 

“We know every Victorian wants certainty about the future – for them, for their family and for their work. By the end of the week, we will lay out a plan to re-open our state,” he added. 

Many of the key principles are already in place, such as ensuring physical distancing, following density requirements, regular cleaning of high touch points, and having strict policies in relation to people who are unwell. 

Other proposals which may be included in the roadmap may be less familiar, such as the “workforce bubbles” concept ,which limits the number of staff who have prolonged and close contact with each other. 

To achieve the workforce bubble, Premier Andrews said, teams of staff could be rostered on the same shifts, with no overlap in shift changes and a reduction in staff working across multiple sites. 

Under the proposed framework, meetings and lunchtimes could also look different, with enclosed spaces avoided wherever possible. Opening doors and windows for airflow rather than relying only on recirculated air and moving tearooms and lunch breaks outside – along with meetings and team catch-ups would also help to reduce risk. 

The Government will also consult with community support organisations on the impacts of social isolation on Victorians, as well as engaging with sector and industry representatives, unions and community organisations, with advice to then be provided to Victoria’s public health team who will consider feedback as work on the roadmap continues. 

Based on the outcomes of these consultations, the Government and Victoria’s health experts will finalise the plan for reopening by the end of the week.

For more information about consultations contact Business Victoria on 13 22 15.