As part of the implementation of Stage 4 restrictions in Metropolitan Melbourne, employers that are able to continue to conduct onsite work must issue their employees with work permits in the prescribed form. Limited exceptions apply for employees at risk of family violence, law enforcement, emergency services workers or health workers who carry employer-issued photographic identification which clearly identifies the employer.

Unless an exception applies, only “Permitted Work Premises” may operate with on-site operations in metropolitan Melbourne. Other businesses must move to working from home, or else close for the period of the restictions. Details of those businesses that are permitted to remain open for onsite work are detailed here: Melbourne coronavirus restrictions on businesses

A copy of the template form for the work permit is here: Permitted Worker Scheme Template

The Department of Justice has indicated that penalties of up to $19,826 (for individuals) and $99,132 (for businesses) will apply to employers who issue worker permits to employees who do not meet the requirements of the worker permit scheme or who otherwise breach the scheme requirements.  There will also be on-the-spot fines of up to $1,652 (for individuals) and up to $9,913 (for businesses) for anyone who breaches the scheme requirements. This includes employers, and employees who do not carry their worker permit when travelling to and from work.

For further detail on business restrictions in Victoria and Nationally more broadly, Critical Information Factsheets for each State are available for download on the Kingston Reid COVID-19 Resources page.

For further details regarding how the Stage 4 restrictions impact your business or for advice on managing the impacts of the restrictions, please contact a member of the Melbourne Kingston Reid team.

Stay safe.

Steven Amendola
Partner
+61 3 9958 9606
[email protected]

Dominic Fleeton
Partner
+61 3 9958 9616
[email protected]

Katie Sweatman
Partner
+61 3 9958 9605
[email protected]