SEDA news and events
Current restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne, City of Ballarat, City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire and Mitchell Shire:
Changes have been introduced to slow the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of people leaving their homes and moving around Victoria. You cannot leave your home other than for one of the six following reasons:- shopping for necessary goods and services
- caregiving or compassionate reasons, including medical care or http://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/node/15065">to get a COVID-19 test
- http://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/authorised-provider-and-authorised-worker-list">authorised work (with a permit) or permitted education
- exercise (once a day for up to 4 hours, and that 4 hours includes any time spent outdoors socialising in limited groups)
- outdoor social interaction in limited groups (once a day for up to 4 hours, and that 4 hours includes any time spent on exercise)
- http://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/getting-tested">to get a COVID-19 vaccination (provided the distance travelled, and the time taken is no more than is absolutely necessary)
Restrictions in regional Victoria (except City of Ballarat, City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire and Mitchell Shire)
- There are no restrictions on the reasons to leave home but staying COVIDSafe remains important.
- Residents of regional Victoria must not travel to metropolitan Melbourne (or City of Ballarat, City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire and Mitchell Shire), other than for permitted reasons. These include:
- for http://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/authorised-provider-and-authorised-worker-permit">authorised work or permitted education
- to visit an intimate partner
- for care and compassionate reasons, including permitted child minding
- to access necessary goods and services provided they are from the facility that is closest to where you live;
- other limited reasons such as moving house
- While in these areas, you must comply with restrictions in place.
- There are no restrictions on travelling to other parts of regional Victoria.
- Face masks are mandatory indoors and outdoors for people aged 12 and over and are highly recommended for primary school aged children.
- If you have any symptoms, no matter how mild, you should get tested for COVID-19.
- Businesses in regional Victoria must conduct a I.D check to ensure that patrons attending do not reside in metropolitan Melbourne (or City of Ballarat, City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire and Mitchell Shire).
The Victorian Border Crossing Permit Directions (No. 31) come into force at 11:59pm on 9 September 2021 and end at 11:59pm on 23 September 2021. They replace the Victorian Border Crossing Permit Directions (No. 30). Click here to view the Victorian Border Crossing Permit directions (No 31.)
A limited number of scholarships are now available for women in the horticulture sector to participate in a range of leadership courses.
These scholarships enable more women within the horticulture sector to access powerful and effective leadership development opportunities, and support gender equity across the sector. The funding is available to women working in both levy and non-levy paying organisations. Expressions of interest close Friday 8 October unless allocated prior.
The annual National Plant Biosecurity Status Report has become a must-have reference volume for those seeking to understand Australia’s plant biosecurity system and its performance.
In addition to identifying the greatest exotic pest threats to plant production, each report covers the governance of plant biosecurity in Australia and explains the mechanisms including our surveillance systems, which successfully manage the pest status of plant industries. Reports also describe the hundreds of innovative Australian research projects underway or completed over the period of the report.
Visit the Plant Health Australian website to download this report.
Award rates increased from 1 July 2021: Don’t wait, calculate!
The Fair Work Commission increased the national minimum wage by 2.5%. The increase applies to minimum award wages from 1 July 2021. Now is the time to check you're paying or getting the correct minimum pay rates using the Fair work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool. Most employees are covered by an award. If you’re not sure which award applies to you, use Find my award.
Visit the Fair work website Pay Calculator for more information.
Sign up to follow your providers
Follow my providers helps you make sure your labour hire providers are licensed. Start following providers to get an email and SMS alert if:
- applications are refused or withdrawn
- licences are granted, suspended or cancelled
- conditions are added to a licence
- suspended licences are re-issued.
To ensure compliance, random spot checks are occurring throughout Victoria. Your COVIDSafe Plan must demonstrate:
- your actions to help prevent the introduction of COVID-19 to your workplace
- the type of face mask or personal protective equipment (PPE) required for your workforce
- how you will prepare for, and respond to, a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in your workplace
- how you will meet all the requirements set out by the Victorian Government. Some industries or workplaces are subject to additional industry obligations and have additional requirements of employers and employees.
Businesses must review and update their COVIDSafe Plans regularly, especially when restrictions or public health advice changes. Organisations with multiple worksites must complete a COVIDSafe Plan for each worksite. Visit the Coronavirus website for more information.
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