Victorian COVID-19 Freight Industry Update

On Thursday 27th May 2021 the Victorian Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford and the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) hosted a briefing to provide insight into the terms of the lockdown restrictions that commenced at 11:59pm Thursday 27th of May 2021. These restrictions will remain in place until 11:59pm Thursday 3rd of June 2021.

While the 7-Day Circuit Breaker implements a number of restrictions across all industries, the overarching message remains "Anyone who can work from home, must work from home." However, the Minister for Employment confirmed that Authorised Workers are permitted to attend work whilst wearing mandatory face coverings. These face coverings must be carried with personnel at all times and worn in indoor and outdoor settings unless at home (unless the individual has an exemption).

The full list of the 7-Day Circuit Breaker restrictions can be found via the Victorian Government Coronavirus website and media release (available here).

Relevant to the freight and logistics industry sector, Authorised Workers consist of those working in:

• Air transport (including operation of airports)

• Port operations

• Freight services (including postal and courier services)

• Transport, freight or logistics drivers

• National Heavy Vehicle Regulator compliance activities

• Truck stops and roadhouses

The full list via the Victorian Government Coronavirus website is available here.

Under these restrictions, the freight and logistics industry can continue to operate as normal across Victoria for business purposes as they are authorised workplaces and workers. This will allow our industry to continue to provide essential services and supplies across the country throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

To help minimise the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and remain safe, it is essential to remember:

• Maintain optimal hygiene and physical distancing. Regularly wash your hands, keep at least 1.5 metres from other people and stay home if you are feeling unwell.

• If you are showing symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), get tested. Testing sites, wait times and opening hours are available on the Victorian Government Coronavirus website (available here).