Following a request for clarification, it has now been confirmed to Film Victoria, as at 5 August, 11:59pm that under the Stage 4 restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne:
- Feature film, television and documentary (excluding television commercials, student and corporate productions) that is already in physical production and operating as a closed set and post-production relating to it, is classified as a Permitted Work Premises.
- Projects and productions under this definition can remain operational with a COVID Safe plan in place and in line with the Permitted Worker Permit Scheme Directions.
Below provides a summary of the latest advice for projects and businesses in metropolitan Melbourne. Visit the Department of Health and Human Services for detailed information.
Permitted Work Premises
Employers at Permitted Work Premises are only permitted to have employees on-site if it is not reasonably practicable for the employee to work from home and the employer and employee comply with the Directions currently in force, including the Workplace Directions and the Permitted Worker Permit Scheme Directions. Visit the Department of Health and Human Services for further information. https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/business-industry-stage-4-restrictions-covid-19
Workplace Directions
Victoria’s Workplace Directions set out a number of measures that must be taken at Permitted Workplaces including measures related to face coverings, the implementation of a COVID Safe plan, record keeping, cleaning and more. See the full Workplace Directions https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/business-industry-stage-4-restrictions-covid-19.
Creating a COVID Safe Plan
Under the latest Workplace Directions, Permitted workplaces have until 11:59pm on Friday 7 August to implement their COVID Safe plan. Guidance, FAQs and a template for a COVID Safe plan is available via the Business Victoria website – https://www.business.vic.gov.au/disputes-disasters-and-succession-planning/covid-safe-business/covid-safe-plan
The Australian Screen Production Industry COVID Safe Guidelines have also been developed to provide specific guidance to the Australian screen industry that may help with your COVID Safe plan. NB: The Victorian Government’s Workplace Directions take precedence.
Permitted Worker Scheme
Under Victoria’s latest Workplace Directions, from 11:59pm on 5 August, employers that require their staff to attend a work site must issue a worker permit to their employees – this is the employer’s responsibility. For information on the Permitted Worker Scheme and to download the permit, visit https://www.vic.gov.au/worker-permit-scheme
Business Support
Grants are available through the Victorian Government’s Business Support Fund – Expansion for Victorian businesses in both metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria that have been impacted by the latest restrictions. For more information on what is available visit Business Victoria.