This is the overwhelming message I have heard from the many members I have spoken to over the past week.

Thanks to the efforts of government to introduce restrictions, and the community for following strict social distancing requirements, we are beating COVID-19. Let’s go even harder by encouraging everyone to download the COVIDSafe app.

Concern about health is rapidly being replaced by concern about financial security. Consumers are uncertain. Many have lost income, and some, their jobs. This uncertainty is threatening the economic recovery – if it is not addressed it will poison any attempt to get Victoria back to work.

We can end the uncertainty by using sensible virus control measures and a clear roadmap to recovery.

If the economic recovery efforts are not focused on restoring confidence, banks will stop lending, manufacturers will hold back capital investment, retail will be bankrupt, and consumers will hold onto their spending in the fear they need it to keep a roof over their heads.

The Chamber team and I are working daily with members, Ministers and officials, to develop the detailed restart and recovery plans. Our focus is helping governments move from permitting more and more business activity to embracing business leadership of the recovery.

This week we assembled a core group of significant and iconic hospitality operators to work through further plans on how we can safely accelerate the easing of restrictions. It was an incredible conversation and we will have more to say about that over the next few weeks.

We have been proactive around regional tourism operators, in fact regional Victoria in general, to be given the green light to get going again. By allowing overnight stays there is a significant flow-on effect for hospitality, tourism and other services in those towns. Quite honestly, with interstate and international tourists being significantly limited for a further period, there is no better time to go and see the beauty that is regional Victoria in autumn.

I’m really pleased to advise that the Hon. Martin Pakula, Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Minister for Racing, and Minister for the Coordination of Jobs, Precincts and Regions: COVID-19, will join me for an exclusive webinar this coming Wednesday 27 May, at 11am. I encourage you to register via our website and hear the Minister’s insights and plans for economic recovery.

Since my last update, Victorian students have been given a return to school date, the hospitality sector has taken steps towards reopening, funding has been allocated to our hard-hit universities and the construction sector has had a $2.7 billion boost – all of which demonstrate just how rapid the pace of change is in this time. I expect more announcements over the weekend on further easing of restrictions.

If you are not ready to restart, now is the time to take advantage of our expert team. They will help you know how to reopen safely. Please click here for a simple and free checklist to get you started.

Members can also access a range of short courses that are being made available for free under the State Government’s newly launched Upskill My Business initiative. The Victorian Chamber is proud to partner with the Andrews Government to deliver this program, providing many of our courses, including Adapting Your Business in a Pandemic, Managing Employee’s Mental Health Through the COVID-19 Pandemic, Managing Through a Crisis, and more. I encourage members to check the Upskill My Business website, or call the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15 to see what training is available to you and your staff.

The bottom line is, easing restrictions on business is only the beginning. Getting Victoria back to work in a meaningful way will require a shift in how people work and how businesses engage with staff, customers and suppliers. We want to give you the support you and your business need on your journey through to the other side of COVID-19.

Finally, you may have caught the landmark decision in the Federal Court this week around casual workers. There is more information below and I encourage you to get across the details. 

I wish you all a safe and good week ahead.

‘Double dipping’ Workpac v Rossato Federal Court decision – employers may be liable for leave entitlements for casual workers

This week the Federal Court determined that some casual workers should receive the same leave entitlements and benefits as a permanent employee, even where the casual worker has been receiving a casual loading.

Members that employ casual staff can contact the Workplace Relations Advice Line on (03) 8662 5222 to check if this decision affects their business.

Reminder

Applications for the $500 million Business Support Fund close on Monday 1 June and I urge you to check if you are eligible and submit your application ahead of this cut-off date.

Since it launched, the Business Support Fund has helped tens of thousands of Victorian small businesses impacted by restrictions put in place to slow the spread of coronavirus pay important operational costs and help keep people in work. Up until 11:59 pm on Monday 1 June 2020, eligible businesses can still apply for a one-off $10,000 grant through the fund. To be eligible, businesses must already employ staff, have payroll of less than $650,000 and a turnover of more than $75,000.

Full details on eligibility and how to apply are set out on the Business Support Fund webpage.