The time has finally arrived to begin the journey towards reopening Victoria. Whilst the excitement is palpable, and a sense of promise for our industry is burgeoning, we still have many questions and logistics to navigate regarding the government legislations and expectations for businesses and employees to maintain safe workplaces with respect to COVID-19.
The regulations for each industry sector are varied and change in line with vaccination rates and forthcoming dates, therefore keeping up with all the nuances can be challenging.
To make things easier for our industry, our businesses, employers and employees, we have put together a summary of all the important points to know before you open your business and return to work.
The AHC is here to support everyone and every choice, as a not for profit organisation we remain neutral and are here to convey government information in a way that is easy to understand and apply, so that you are able to make an informed decision about your business and workplace.
If the information below doesn't answer all of your questions, please feel free to email us on info@theahc.org.au and we will be happy to answer all of your questions.
Wishing you a fabulous, smooth, and prosperous reopening.
Warm regards,
Sandy Chong - CEO AHC
METRO MELB: Hairdressing, beauty, personal care can open with one per 4 square metre rule (indoors) and a 5 client cap (fully vaccinated):
What we know |
Answers we are waiting on |
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REGIONAL VIC: Hairdressing, beauty, personal care will continue to stay open with one per 4 square metre rule (indoors), and with the following changes (fully vaccinated):
What we know |
Answers we are waiting on |
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Hairdressing, beauty, personal care in both Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria will align and operate with one per 4 square metre rule (indoors) and a 150 client cap (fully vaccinated).
Here are the links for the Victoria Roadmap's which were released by the VIC Government on 19 September 2021:
LINK - Face masks - when to wear a face mask | Coronavirus Victoria
Please ensure you are prepared and ready to open by ensuring your COVID SAFETY PLAN is updated and in line with the current orders and restrictions for COVID-19 from the VIC Public Health Directions.
Your COVID-19 Safety Plan should be developed in consultation with your team and your relevant Health and Safety Representatives at your workplace.
You can find more information about COVID Safety Plans HERE
LINK - Have all appropriate signage and posters
LINK - QR Code Service for record keepings OR Register to use VIC Government QR Code Service
LINK - Know what to do in the event of a confirmed case in your workplace
The Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) has approved three Covid-19 rapid antigen self-tests for home and workplace use in Australia from 1 November.
It includes two oral fluid tests and one nasal swab test. Results of the rapid tests are expected within 15 minutes.
Rapid antigen testing is expected to become a key layer in community protection from Covid-19 once states open up.
The AHC is here to support everyone and every choice, as a not for profit organisation we remain neutral and are here to convey government information in a way that is easy to understand and apply, so that you are able to make an informed decision about your business and workplace.
Information regarding vaccinations pertaining to Hairdressing, Beauty and Personal Care sector is yet to be released.
We have been advised that the Hairdressing, Beauty and Personal Care sector currently sits under the Retail Sector but is currently NOT listed on the Authorised Workers List as our industry is part of the retail sector which is currently closed in Metropolitan Melbourne.
Here is a link to general information and FAQ's for business and industry.
Other useful resources and information:
VEOHRC Explainer: Mandatory COVID-19 vaccines and your rights
OAIC: COVID-19: Vaccinations and my privacy rights as an employee
How to get your COVID-19 Digital Certificate
Australians can access proof of vaccination after they have been vaccinated through myGov, their vaccination provider (including a medical practitioner) or the Australian Immunisation Register. See Services Australia – How to get proof of your COVID-19 vaccinations for details.
Here are the latest directions issued by Victoria's Chief Health Officer
Some employers are eligible for FREE independent legal advice for workplace issues arising from the coronavirus outbreak from our Workplace Legal Advice Program. See more information here:
and;
This link contains the following types of information and will be very important for you to know if you employ staff:
Yes, is it for the time period that it is valid and active.
Yes, as you have the right to decide who can enter your business.
The state of emergency ends on 21 October and this is expected to be extended in the next few days.
Yes please go to this website www.vsbc.vic.gov.au or call
13 87 22. On offer is low cost or free dispute resolution.
Business have the right to refuse entry and services to clients, however it is important to understand the discrimination laws in Australia.
https://www.vsbc.vic.gov.au/your-rights-and-responsibilities/retail-tenants-and-landlords/#section1
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/pandemic-leave-disaster-payment
If you have a question that has not been asked or answered in this blog please email us on info@theahc.org.au.
Sandy Chong
AHC CEO