Dear members,

There has been much speculation throughout the weekend as to whether building and construction may shut down due to further restrictions being announced by the Victorian Government. Today, the Premier announced new restrictions for non-work matters in Melbourne and Regional Victoria. We will know more about changes to our industry when he speaks tomorrow.
 
In the meantime, the main changes announced today are as follows:

  • Melbourne restrictions
    • From 6pm tonight, Victoria will enter a State of Disaster
    • From 6pm tonight, Melbourne will also move to Stage 4 restrictions with stronger rules to limit the movement of people
    • That includes a curfew – from 8pm to 5am – beginning tonight. The only reasons to leave home during these hours will be work, medical care and care-giving
    • The Night Network will be suspended, and public transport services will be reduced during curfew hours
    • These changes will be in place for at least the next six weeks until Sunday 13 September
  • Regional restrictions
    • From 6pm tonight, Victoria will enter a State of Disaster
    • From 11:59pm on Wednesday, regional Victoria will return to Stage 3 “Stay at Home” restrictions
    • That means there will again only be four reasons to be out: shopping for food and essential items. Care and caregiving. Daily exercise. Work and study – if you can’t do it from home
    • Businesses in regional Victoria will also return to Stage 3 restrictions
    • That means restaurants and cafes can offer only delivery and take-away. Beauty and personal services will need to close. Entertainment and cultural venues will need to close. Community sport will need to stop
    • Display homes should be open by appointment only
    • Face coverings will continue to be compulsory – ensuring that if we do have to be out, it’s in the safest way possible
    • These changes will be in place for at least the next six weeks.


We have been able to continue to operate thus far because of the incredible effort that has been made by the overwhelming majority in our industry adhering to the guidelines and adapting each time that new restrictions are imposed.

These efforts are working.

As a result, our workforce, our clients and all of our families have been kept safer. And our service to the community remains more important than ever as we keep an even greater proportion of the economy going.

This will be vital to all Victorians in the months and years ahead.

It is abundantly clear. though, that this is far from over. Our efforts must continue, and must increase.

Sadly, we have heard a small number of reports of non-compliance with guidelines. This is unacceptable.

Master Builders Victoria is working around the clock on behalf of you, our members, and our entire industry. We are continuing to collaborate with other industry associations and unions to ensure that the Government fully understands the needs of our industry and the scale of our response to COVID-19. And our team is working directly with you, our members, to support you in every way possible. I thank every one of you who has reached out for our support.

In the coming days, I ask that each of you, as members of Master Builders Victoria, takes the following steps in response:
 

  • Re-read the full industry Guidelines, and ensure you and your teams are adhering to them
  • Further clarification is available in these FAQs , but if you are unsure about any element, call us on (03) 9411 4555
  • Further supporting materials for you to use on site are attached here:
  • Share this information among your workforce, colleagues, industry networks and, if necessary, clients
  • If you see people not following the guidelines, call it out. If you are uncomfortable doing that, contact us on (03) 9411 4555
  • If you, or anyone you work with, is showing symptoms, they must stay home. Support is available to those who need it.
  • Keep the same standards of vigilance when outside of work; make sure you and your family are following the new restrictions announced by the government today

 
Master Builders Victoria member or not, we are all in this together, and Master Builders Victoria will offer support to those who need it. Whatever your role-- residential or commercial, large or small; contractor or sub-contractor; builder or tradie; employer or employee-- the stakes are too high for any of us not to do what’s required.
 
In the meantime, please stay well and stay safe. We will keep you up to date as other information becomes available.
 
Rebecca Casson, CEO of Master Builders Victoria