After discussions between Master Builders Victoria, industry groups and government this afternoon the state government has made some further clarifications to Stage 4 restrictions that come into effect tonight at 11:59pm. Some of these will be less restrictive that what we originally thought.

While there are many more areas for which we have asked for clarification and adjustment in order to make it feasible for our members to continue work, we ask for your understanding that the government has requested these changes in the spirit of protecting public health, which means taking every practicable precaution to limit the movement of workers of all types among project sites in order to reduce transmission of the coronavirus.

We understand this is a stressful time, with questions unanswered. Master Builders Victoria is doing all it can to protect your interests while simultaneously supporting the government in its efforts to protect the health of Victorians.

See further guidance provided on restrictions for building and construction businesses.

Some of the key inclusions in this document are:

• Once subdivision occurs (where applicable), each dwelling is regarded as a small-scale construction site.
• Large scale construction sites will now be limited to the greater of:
• 25% of their baseline workforce, or
• 5 workers
• Definitions of critical and essential infrastructure, and the process for applying for a  project determination
• The definition of specialist contractors
• Treatment of architects, surveyors, auditors, inspectors, engineers and specialists who provide safety services

Though not included in the above document, Master Builders Victoria has also received confirmation that:

• Occupied residences cannot have builders or workers on site under the stay-at-home orders (except for emergency repairs or for safety purposes). This means that renovations of occupied premises are not permitted. We are seeking confirmation of the treatment of renovations already underway.
• Owners are permitted to attend contract signing and final inspection
• Current or prospective clients are not permitted to visit display homes
• Apprentices are included in the limit of 5 or 25%, according to the project type 
• It is permissible to give a lift to apprentices who are unable to drive themselves to work

The Construction Sector Guidance section of the Business Victoria website will be updated shortly, and will be kept up to date as more information becomes available.

As we reach the deadline for implementation, for those questions and issues still unresolved, we urge our members to let common sense be their guide. If a business is making a clear effort to comply with requirements designed to limit the movement of persons on worksites and the spread of coronavirus, unintentional infractions are less likely to be identified with financial penalty.

The importance of bringing this outbreak under control cannot be overstated, neither for our industry nor our state. It is imperative that we all apply the rules set out, and heed the intent of the rules where they remain unclear. Maser Builders Victoria will be continuing to work over the weekend to gain further clarity.