Update: From 11.59pm on Wednesday, 12 October, the pandemic declaration will end – and Victorians will no longer be required to isolate after testing positive to COVID-19, with isolation for positive cases now strongly recommended. The original end date was 14 October.

Following the National Cabinet meeting in Canberra on Friday 30 September 2022, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the unanimous decision to end the COVID-19 mandatory isolation requirements.

Mr Albanese also announced an end to Pandemic Leave Disaster Payments from the same date, apart from continuing financial support for casual workers in aged care, disability care, Aboriginal healthcare and hospital care sectors.

The Victorian Chamber recognises the National Cabinet decision as a sensible approach, balancing the need to ease emergency settings while retaining protections in sectors where workers support our most vulnerable community members.

What does this mean for businesses?

Any employers in the sectors listed above will need to maintain existing messaging to staff regarding their mandatory isolation obligations. Each State and territory will confirm local requirements via the relevant public health legislation and communicate through health orders.

We recommend affected Victorian businesses and Victorian Chamber members monitor Victorian Government announcements and health orders, which we anticipate should be released before 14 October 2022.

In addition, Victorian Chamber members may contact our Workplace Relations Advice Line with any queries regarding the impact of changes to the mandatory isolation requirements.

All employers outside the ‘high-risk’ sectors listed above must ensure they are observing existing obligations under Victorian health and safety law, taking all reasonable measures to maintain a safe and healthy workplace for their employees, visitors and others who engage with their workplaces.

This means consulting with your staff to keep your COVIDsafe plan up to date, and maintaining measures such as physical distancing, face masks, home-base work, good hygiene practices so far as reasonably practicable.

We recommend encouraging your employees to make sure their COVID-19 vaccinations are up-to-date, use RAT and/or PCR tests if experiencing symptoms, and stay away from work when unwell or displaying symptoms of any illness, not just COVID-19.

In some cases, employees may be able to continue working remotely, if they have a positive RAT/PCR result, or they have cold/flu-like symptoms. Of course, this will depend on whether the employee is well enough to still perform some aspects of their role, from home.

Employers may direct employees to remain away from work if they are reasonably satisfied the employee is unfit for work. Employees may access personal (sick) leave if unfit for work. If no paid sick leave is available, employees may be able to access other paid leave entitlements, by agreement with their employer.

How can we help?

Each situation should be considered on its merits, to ensure relevant circumstances and obligations are considered. It may also be necessary to conduct risk assessments to identify specific actions in your environment.

The Victorian Chamber has a team of Workplace Relations and Health, Safety and Wellbeing Advisors and Consultants. The team has an impressive background and a wealth of experience putting them in the best position to support your business. For more information on how VCCI can support your business or to access our consulting services call us today on (03) 8662 5222.