MBV members were given an exclusive opportunity to hear first-hand about their industry re-opening with today's special webinar with Minister Jacinta Allan. 

Ms Allan, Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop, spoke about the Victorian Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Ms Allan thanked MBV and its members for working closely with the Victorian Government during this challenging time, which, by and large, has kept the building and construction sector open and operating safely. 

She said it was an important partnership for the government to better understand the industry and keep it safe and open. 

Ms Allan said building and construction workers had responded strongly to the call to get vaccinated before mandatory requirements came into place. 

Taking questions from members, Ms Allan was asked what advice she would give MBV members as the community geared up to the 80 and 90 per cent vaccination rate. 

Ms Allan spoke about the social benefits that vaccination would bring and how it would help protect members from a health perspective. 

Employers forced to stand down unvaccinated employees was another topic of interest raised during the webinar. 

Ms Allan admitted that these were difficult conversations for employers and employees to have, but there was a legal framework in place to keep worksites safe. 

If people were concerned about adverse reactions to vaccinations, they should seek further medical advice, Ms Allan said. 

On facemasks, Ms Allan said they had played an essential role in stopping the spread of the COVID-19 virus, particularly indoors. 

However, from around November 24 when Victoria is set to reach the 90 per cent double vaccination rate, Ms Allan said masks would not be required indoors or outdoors unless in high-risk settings such as hospitals. 

Minister Allan also touched on the financial assistance available to MBV members, with information available on the COVID-19 business information.

She encouraged members with particularly challenging circumstances to reach out to MBV for more information and to seek support. 

Looking ahead, Ms Allan said the building and construction sector remained a big part of the Victorian economy, with a strong pipeline of work moving into 2022. 

Ms Allan touched on Victoria's pipeline of major infrastructure projects, including the Suburban Rail Loop, which will create up to 24,000 jobs connecting key outer suburbs over the next two decades. 

Heading into 2022, Ms Allan said she was keen to continue working closely with the building and construction sector to build better transport connections for a growing Melbourne.