COVID-19 Update

COVID-19

ARTIO NSW has developed a resource to assist transport operators in NSW and the ACT to ensure they can keep operating safely and efficiently. We are working with other industry organisations in the spirit of co-operation and for the benefit of employers, employees and sub-contractors.

Please find below an extensive list of websites and other sources to address any concern you may have:

Border controls and quarantine, the Freight Code and the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
Awards, National Employment Standards, standing down employees and superannuation
Awards, National Employment Standards, standing down employees and superannuation.
Business support.
COVID-19 clinics and COVID-19 health status.
Support for indigenous Australians and Australians whose second language is English.
WHS advice, mental health and domestic, family or sexual violence support.

BORDER CONTROLS AND QUARANTINE, THE FREIGHT CODE AND THE HEAVY NATIONAL VEHICLE LAW

Border Controls and Quarantine	NHVR	The NHVR has summarised the information on border restrictions specific to the heavy vehicle industry. The information is sourced from, and verified by, the relevant state or territory governments. Further information is available from the NHVR at: https://www.nhvr.gov.au/about-us/coronavirus-response
		Please also refer to ARTIO NSW Information Circulars which provide regular updates of developments in other jurisdictions
Freight Code		A copy of the Freight Movement Code for the Domestic Border Controls – Freight Movement Protocol (Freight Code) is available from the Federal Dept of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development website at:: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/vehicle_regulation/files/protocol-for-domestic-border-controls-freight-movements.pdf.
Freight Industry Newsletters	NSW	ARTIO NSW Information Circular 110/2020, 8/8/2020 Keeps transport operators up to date with the latest developments from Transport for NSW.
NHVR Regulatory and Operational Issues
Curfew restrictions		The NHVR website provides advice on the status of curfew restrictions. Visit: https://www.nhvr.gov.au/about-us/coronavirus-response#curfew.
NHVAS and AFM standards		The NHVR website provides the following advice on the status of NHVAS and AFM standards. Visit: https://www.nhvr.gov.au/files/202003-1133-nhvas-and-afm-standards-temporary-change-to-driver-medical-requirements.pdf. For medical requirements and face-to-face audit requirements: https://www.nhvr.gov.au/news/2020/03/25/nhvr-reducing-burden-on-industry-accreditation For driver medical requirements: NHVAS and AFM: https://www.nhvr.gov.au/files/202003-1133-nhvas-and-afm-standards-temporary-change-to-driver-medical-requirements.pdf For changes to NHVAS and AFM business rules: https://www.nhvr.gov.au/files/202003-1132-nhvas-and-afm-business-rules-temporary-change-to-auditing.pdf
NHVR fees		The NHVR website provides advice on the status of NHVR fees. Visit: www.nhvr.gov.au/law-policies/fee-schedule
Roller Brake Testing		The NHVR website provides advice on roller brake testing. Visit: https://www.nhvr.gov.au/files/201801-0762-vsg21-national-rbt-procedure.pdf
Two up driving		The NHVR website provides advice on border restriction exemptions for two up driving in NT, Qld, SA, Tas and WA. Visit: https://www.nhvr.gov.au/about-us/coronavirus-response#two-up.

AWARDS, NATIONAL
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS, STANDING DOWN AND SUPERANNUATION

ISSUE		SOURCE/S OF ADVICE
Awards
Award Changes – transport and clerks awards		ARTIO NSW Industrial Circular 12/2020, issued 9/4/2020
Long Service Leave	ACT	Access Canberra website: https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/3008/~/long-service-leave
Amendments to Long Service Leave Act	NSW	ARTIO NSW Industrial Circular 10/2020, issued 26/3/2020 ARTIO NSW Industrial Circular 11/2020, 27/3/2020 For answers to FAQs visit the NSW Industrial Relations website, https://www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au/employers/nsw-employer-essentials/covic-19-frequently-asked-questions/
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment	NSW	ARTIO NSW Industrial Circular 21/2020, issued 22/9/2020. Further information on the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is now available from: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/financial-support
Standing Down Employees		ARTIO NSW Industrial Circular 9/2020, issued 26/3/2020 Fair Work Ombudsman website www.coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au
Standing down employees – FAQs		ARTIO NSW Industrial Circular 11/2020, issued 27/3/2020. NSW Industrial Relations website https://www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au/employers/nsw-employer-essentials/covic-19-frequently-asked-questions/.
Superannuation		ARTIO NSW Information Circular 25/2020, 25/3/2020 ARTIO NSW Information Circular 31/2020, 30/3/2020 For advice on insurance, mental health, early access to super and other super related COVID-19 issues visit the TWUSUPER website: https://www.twusuper.com.au/ For other information, please visit https://www.twusuper.com.au/forms-and-resources/news/covid-19-your-super-and-available-assistance/ For more information contact one of the following in TWUSUPER’s Sydney office: · Michael Darmanin, tel: 0447 668005 · Sean Doyle, tel: 0408 303611; or · Varenya Mohan Ram, tel: 0409 997537.

ISSUE		SOURCE/S OF ADVICE
Awards
Award Changes – transport and clerks awards		ARTIO NSW Industrial Circular 12/2020, issued 9/4/2020
Long Service Leave	ACT	Access Canberra website: https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/3008/~/long-service-leave
Amendments to Long Service Leave Act	NSW	ARTIO NSW Industrial Circular 10/2020, issued 26/3/2020 ARTIO NSW Industrial Circular 11/2020, 27/3/2020 For answers to FAQs visit the NSW Industrial Relations website, https://www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au/employers/nsw-employer-essentials/covic-19-frequently-asked-questions/
Standing Down Employees		ARTIO NSW Industrial Circular 9/2020, issued 26/3/2020 Fair Work Ombudsman website www.coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au
Standing down employees – FAQs		ARTIO NSW Industrial Circular 11/2020, issued 27/3/2020. NSW Industrial Relations website https://www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au/employers/nsw-employer-essentials/covic-19-frequently-asked-questions/.
Superannuation		ARTIO NSW Information Circular 25/2020, 25/3/2020 ARTIO NSW Information Circular 31/2020, 30/3/2020 For advice on insurance, mental health, early access to super and other super related COVID-19 issues visit the TWUSUPER website: https://www.twusuper.com.au/ For other information, please visit https://www.twusuper.com.au/forms-and-resources/news/covid-19-your-super-and-available-assistance/ For more information contact one of the following in TWUSUPER’s Sydney office: Michael Darmanin, tel: 0447 668005 Sean Doyle, tel: 0408 303611; or Varenya Mohan-Ram, tel: 0409 997537

BUSINESS SUPPORT


Commercial Tenancies		ARTIO NSW Information Circular 30/2020, issued 30/3/2020
	ACT	Revenue ACT website: https://www.revenue.act.gov.au/covid-19-assistance
	NSW	Service NSW website: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/covid-19-help-small-businesses/commercial-lease-support
Insurance
CTP and Workers Compensation	NSW	icare encourages customers to discuss their individual business circumstances and get the support they need. Contact icare: Telephone: 13 44 22 Website: https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/icare-coronavirus-information/
JobSeeker Support	Commonwealth Treasury	ARTIO NSW Information Circular 79/2020, 21/7/2020; ARTIO NSW Information Circular 109/2020, 7/8/2020 JobKeeper Payments Fact Sheet visit The Commonwealth Treasury websites, https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-07/Fact_sheet-JobKeeper_Payment_extension.pdf and https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/jobkeeper

Land Tax Relief Package	ACT	Revenue ACT website: https://www.revenue.act.gov.au/covid-19-assistance and click onto ‘Commercial rates rebate’
	NSW	ARTIO NSW Information Circular 37/2020, 14/4/2020 Further information: Service NSW website: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-covid-19-land-tax-relief
Payroll Tax Relief		ARTIO NSW Information Circular 28/2020, 27/3/2020
	ACT	Revenue ACT website: https://www.revenue.act.gov.au/covid-19-assistance
	NSW	Revenue NSW website: https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/taxes-duties-levies-royalties/payroll-tax
Small Business Support	Fed	ARTIO NSW Information Circular 24/2020, 25/3/2020 Telephone: 132 846. Website is: https://business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business
Toll Relief		Transurban may provide toll relief to transport operators affected by COVID-19 through expansion of its Linkt Assist support program. Further information is available at from the Transurban website at: www.linkt.com.au/linkt-assist

COVID-19 CLINICS AND
COVID-19 HEALTH STATUS

COVID-19 Clinics		ARTIO NSW Information Circular 96/2020, issued 29/7/2020, any of the websites below or get tested by your local GP
	ACT	ACT Health website: https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/stay-safe-and-healthy/symptoms-and-getting-tested#COVID-19-Testing-Clinic-locations
	NSW	NSW Health website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics#find-a-covid-19-testing-centre-in-nsw
	NT	NT Dept of Health website: https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/stay-safe/symptoms-testing#section3
	Qld	Qld Health website: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/stay-informed/testing-and-fever-clinics
	SA	SA Health website: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/conditions/infectious+diseases/covid+2019/covid-19+response/covid-19+clinics+and+testing+centres
	Tas	Tas Dept of Health website: https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/keeping-yourself-safe/testing-for-covid19
	Vic	Vic Dept of Health and Human Services website: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19
	WA	WA Health website: https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/COVID-clinics
COVID-19 Health Status Updates	NSW	Frequent updates through ARTIO NSW information circulars. For locations where patrons must either immediately self-isolate and seek testing, or where patrons be alert for symptoms, and if any develop to get tested and self-isolate immediately visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates#self-isolate-and-get-tested-immediately.
Message to the Road Freight Industry		Message from Dr Jeannette Young, Qld Chief Health Officer, visit https://vimeo.com/439877408/5dcba3495f
Whatsapp Channel		Enter aus.gov.au/whatsapp into your internet browser

SUPPORT FOR INDIGENOUS
AUSTRALIANS AND AUSTRALIANS WHOSE SECOND LANGUAGE IS ENGLISH

Advice and Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders		The Commonwealth Dept of Health and Human Services has COVID-19 advice for indigenous Australians. Please visit https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/advice-for-people-at-risk-of-coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-people The Commonwealth Dept of Health and Human Services has COVID-19 resources for indigenous Australians. Please visit: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-resources-for-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-people-and-remote-communities
Resources for English as a Second Language Australians		The Commonwealth Dept of Health and Human Services has a list of resources about COVID-19 in 63 other languages, including fact sheets, guidelines and other publications. Please visit https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/translated-coronavirus-covid-19-resources

WHS ADVICE, MENTAL HEALTH AND DOMESTIC, FAMILY OR SEXUAL VIOLENCE SUPPORT

Mental Health, Domestic, Family or Sexual Violence Support		ARTIO NSW Information Circular 32/2020, 30/3/2020 Commonwealth Dept of Health website: https://headtohealth.gov.au/covid-19-support/covid-19
Mental Health Support
		Beyond Blue Telephone: 1800 224636 Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
		Lifeline Telephone: 13 11 44 Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Domestic, Family or Sexual Violence		If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of domestic, family or sexual violence contact 1800RESPECT or Mensline Australia. Further information is available at www.australia.gov.au/dvsupport.
		1800RESPECT Telephone: 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) Website: www.1800respect.org.au
		Mensline Australia Telephone: 1300 789978 Website: https://mensline.org.au/
WHS Advice
Employer obligations under NSW WHS law		For further information please visit the SafeWork NSW website: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/resource-library/COVID-19-Coronavirus.
National COVID-19 Safe Workplace Principles		The Safe Work Australia website provides advice on National COVID-19 safe workplace principles. Visit: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces/other-resources/national-covid-19-safe-workplace-principles
Personal Protective Equipment Suppliers	NSW	The NSW Government has established a link to encourage NSW based businesses to purchase personal protective equipment products, including hand sanitiser, handwash and soap, gloves, disinfectant, gowns, masks, eyewear and paper products from NSW based suppliers. It says over 200 suppliers have indicated they can service PPE needs. For further information visit https://buy.nsw.gov.au/news/2020/ppe-supplies-portal-for-industry-andthe-community.
Pharmacy Trading Hours	NSW	Pharmacies are allowed to trade 24/7 in NSW.
Planning tool to help businesses reopen and be COVID safe		The Dept of Prime Minister and Cabinet website provides advice on how to planning the reopening of businesses reopen and be COVID safe. Visit: https://www.pmc.gov.au/nccc/resources/planning-tool-help-businesses-reopen-and-be-covidsafe
Return to Work Support	NSW	The State Insurance Regulatory Agency is providing support for employers with return to work programs under the JobCover6 program. Benefits include: · Incentive payments of up to $10,400 for up to 6 months. · Exemption of the worker’s wages from their workers compensation premium calculation for two years. · Protection against the costs of changes to the worker’s existing injury for up to two years. Support is provided for up to 6 months’ duration to a worker recovering from a work-related injury, where the worker is looking for new employment. Further information, including eligibility criteria, is available from https://www.sira.nsw.gov.au/resources-library/workers-compensation-resources/publications/help-with-getting-people-back-to-work/jobcover6-supporting-recovery-at-work-during-the-covid-19-period. · The Connect2Work program which offers a $200 weekly payment for up to 12 weeks to an employer who can provide work placement for at least 15 hours a week to a worker. These support programs apply to workers injured at work or in a motor vehicle crash. Further information on Connect2Work is available at https://www.sira.nsw.gov.au/resources-library/workerscompensation-resources/publications/help-with-getting-people-back-to-work/connect2work-guidancematerial
WHS Advice	ACT	The Access Canberra website has general WHS advice for employers. Please visit: https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/5015/~/work%2C-health-and-safety-and-covid-19—what-you-need-to-know
WHS advice for industry sectors		The Safe Work Australia website provides advice for specific industry sectors. Visit: For delivery drivers: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces/industry-information/delivery-drivers For road freight: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces/industry-information/road-freight For warehousing and logistics: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces/industry-information/warehousing-and-logistics

SPONSORS

ARTIO NSW thanks the following for their support.

FOR ANY QUERY

hughmc@artionsw.com.au

FOR ANY SUPPORT & SERVICES

0412 880 861