Border closures Melbourne restrictions Victorian restrictions Help and support

The VCCI has already met with the Treasurer and Ministers, senior government officials and members to understand the situation, provide intelligence and put forward solutions.

To combat any confusion to Victorian Businesses and families, we have compiled a summary of the latest restrictions, what they mean for you and your business and how you can get support during this difficult time. 

We always knew there was a risk of a second wave. With resilience and innovation, and some help from governments and the Victorian Chamber, businesses can survive this lockdown.

If your business, or if you know of a business that is not already a member, please encourage them to take advantage of our 12-month membership waiver for any new entry level membership. 

Border closures

As of 12.01 on Wednesday, 8 July, the public of Victoria will not be able to enter New South Wales or South Australia without a permit. There are no restrictions or permits required to enter Victoria from interstate.

There are a few exceptions which will allow travel to NSW without a permit:

• emergency or law enforcement services workers
• medical or hospital services
• to avoid injury or escape a risk of harm
• to attend court or to meet other legal obligations

There are a multitude of reasons a member of the Victorian public is able to gain a border entry permit, including: 

• NSW residents returning home
• carer of a NSW resident
• boarding school/university student or parent thereof
• compassionate grounds

Other exemptions have been put in place to allow businesses to continue to function and keep the economy moving. Further eligibility criteria includes: 

• seasonal workers
• critical services workers (freight and logistics, medical, mining, manufacturing, construction, engineering)
• member of parliament and staff members
• defense and security services

For further information and to obtain a ‘border entry permit’, visit the Service NSW website.

The VCCI have provided the Government with recommendations on the types of businesses activity, and workers, that should be permitted to cross the border. If your business has been rejected for a permit, please let us know.

Melbourne ‘stay at home’ restrictions 

Coming into effect at 11.59pm on Wednesday, 8 July, in an effort to reduce the rising number of cases of COVID-19 in Victoria, the residents of Melbourne and the Shire of Mitchell will see a reintroduction of Stage 3 ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions. 

The full list of the local government areas that are impacted by these restrictions can be found on the Department of Health and Human Services website.

As of Thursday, 9 July, there are only four reasons any person can leave their home (and staying within their local area): 

• shopping for food or essential items
• to provide caregiving or medical treatment
• for exercise (outdoor only and only with one person in your household)
• work or study if not possible from home

These new restrictions also do not allow any visitors, whether they be family or friends, to enter your home for any reason other than caregiving or being an intimate partner. 

The latest round of restrictions will also have a devastating impact on many businesses in Melbourne. These new restriction will require:

• pubs, bars and nightclubs to be closed (takeaway allowed)
• restaurants and cafes to be closed (takeaway and delivery allowed)
• beauty and personal care services to be closed (barbers and hairdressers excepted)
• gyms and indoor sports centers to be closed
• galleries, museums, zoos to be closed
• holiday accommodation and camping facilities to be closed

It should be noted that tradespeople are allowed to visit a persons home, but only if required. Minimising physical contact it paramount during this pandemic and should avoid cash payments. Debit card or bank transfers are greatly advised.

We face a new battle to contain this virus and ensure as many of us get through to the other side as possible. Everyone at the Victorian Chamber is ready to assist your business in any way possible. Please contact us to access support or visit the VCCI website.

Victoria-wide restrictions

Residents outside of Metropolitan Melbourne and the Shire of Mitchell are still strongly advised to take a ‘Stay at Home’ approach and use common sense when visiting friends and family.

Those in metropolitan Melbourne and Shire of Mitchell can only leave their restricted area for three reasons:

• shopping for food or essential items
• to provide caregiving or medical treatment
• work or study if not possible from home

Exercise and recreation will not be a reason to travel into or out of these areas.

Those who need to travel through the Melbourne metropolitan area and the Shire of Mitchell, are allowed to, but should plan their trip ahead of time so as to not make any unnecessary stops.

Grants, help and support

During this crisis, the Federal and Victorian governments have established a suite of grants and supports in place for businesses to help through this difficult time, including:

• local Lockdowns Business Support Program
• the Tourism Accommodation Support Program
• JobKeeper Program

Businesses can call the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15 for the latest information, or visit the Business Victoria website. 

The Victorian Chamber has also compiled a suite of resources for all local businesses get through this lockdown and back to businesses as soon as possible including the Business Restart Guide and Checklist. 

You can access all of these resources here.