COVID-19 VIC PREVIOUS UPDATES

Please Note: Information below may no longer be current. Check our main Covid-19 page for the latest information.

October 18, 2021

As Victoria is set to hit its 70% double dose vaccination target, the State Government has announced that the state will move forward with opening up and restrictions will be eased from 11:59pm on Thursday 21 October. Of particular interest to members:

• This means that renovation works at occupied premises taking place under contracts our members are administering can recommence. It also means Architects can return to pre-construction scoping and measurement at occupied premises.
• Travel for construction related work between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria and vice versa, is permitted if you have been fully vaccinated or an exemption applies.
• For workers on large-scale sites, critical and essential infrastructure projects, or early-stage land development sites, those who have received one vaccination dose are also permitted to travel between regions but must get tested twice a week, with at least 72 hours between each test while they continue to travel between regions until they receive their second dose.
• For small-scale construction sites, all workers must be fully vaccinated in order to move around. Workers who are fully vaccinated do not have to undergo the testing requirement in order to travel between regions.
• Small-scale construction is limited to 5 workers plus a supervisor.
• Large-scale construction sites will increase to 100% capacity but only if all workers are fully vaccinated.

Business Assistance

This afternoon, the Institute met with a senior advisor to the Minister for Employment to request that architects whose business has been severely impacted by the restrictions be eligible for financial assistance including forthcoming rounds of the Business Assistance Grants program. The Institute advised the government of the severe economic hardship many members have suffered as a consequence of the lockdown and advocated that architectural services should fall within the eligibility for such assistance.

October 15, 2021

The Victorian Government has announced that construction, building and non-essential maintenance work can recommence at occupied premises in metropolitan Melbourne once Victoria passes the 70 per cent double dose target and moves to Phase B on the Roadmap. This means that renovation works for contracts our members are administering can recommence. It also means you can return to pre-construction scoping and measurement at occupied premises.

The indicative date for Phase B is currently October 26, 2021. However, in recent days the Chief Health Officer has indicated in media appearances that this may be brought forward by a few days if current trends continue. This will mean:

• workers will be able to work both indoors and outdoors at occupied premises
• workers can work in occupied premises where the work must take place in the home, for example, cleaning, maintenance and renovations
• a maximum of five workers plus a supervisor will be permitted, unless additional workers are required for safety reasons
• workers must have received at least a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (the second dose deadline is 15 November) or have a valid medical exemption. 

Further information about work at occupied premises and workforce limits can be found on the Victorian Government’s Construction sector page – Frequently asked questions.

October 12, 2021

The Acting Chief Health Officer has issued the new COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination (Workers) Directions, which came into effect at 11:59pm on 7 October 2021. From 15 October 2021, to work onsite at a work premises, workers must be able to provide evidence to their employer that they have either:

• received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, or
• have a booking to receive a first dose by 22 October 2021, or
• have a medical exemption from an authorised medical practitioner.

From 23 October 2021, workers need to have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine to attend work — unless they have a medical exemption. From 26 November 2021, to attend work, workers will also be required to provide evidence to their employer that they have received a second dose – unless they have a medical exemption. The new Directions apply to employers of select workers, including contractors. A full list of workers can be found here.

We note that there is not a specific vaccination requirement for general office workers. “Professional service workers” are defined specifically as those working in a “financial service” or as a “legal practitioner”. As previously indicated, the vaccine mandate for architects applies only to those visiting construction sites and does not currently apply to work in studios or offices.

Requirements for vaccinations in relation to visiting construction sites are running to a slightly different timetable with the first dose requirement already in place since October 5.

Covid-19 Vaccines and the Workplace

The Commonwealth Government’s business.gov.au and Fair Work Ombudsman have published information for both employers and employees related to workplace rights and obligations and Covid-19 vaccines. This information includes advice on managing workplace safety, understanding the laws on proof of vaccination for employees and customers, knowing your rights and obligations, understanding vaccination privacy obligations and the role of anti-discrimination laws.

Information for members on working at studios

Some members have contacted the Chapter with questions about working from studios or practices to supervise students.

• The coronavirus.vic.gov.au website defines construction activity as any work done in connection with the construction, alteration, conversion, fitting out, commissioning, renovation, refurbishment, decommissioning or demolition of any building or structure, or any similar activity.
• The Institute has previously been advised that Architects and other designers are among “building and construction services” for the purposes of Authorised Workers and also “commercial operations that supply goods or service necessary:…or to support any business activity that may be carried out in accordance with these directions” (i.e. authorised providers and workers). Note that “heritage and cultural heritage specialists” are additionally included in the definition of “specialist contractor” for the purposes of construction services.
• Under the current Workplace Directions (No 51), Clause 5 Operation of a Work Premises

(1) an employer in respect of a Work Premises in the Restricted Areas:

   (a) may only permit a worker to perform work at the employer’s Work Premises if:

      (i) the employer is an Authorised Provider permitted to operate under the Restricted Activity Directions (Restricted Areas); or

     (ii) the worker is an Authorised Worker; and

   (b) must not permit a worker to perform work at the Work Premises unless:

     (i) the worker:

(A) is an Authorised Worker that has in their possession, photographic personal identification and a current Authorised Worker Permit issued by an Authorised Provider or their employer (unless an exception under subclause (8) applies); or

(B) is permitted to perform work at the Work Premises under the Stay at Home Directions (Restricted Areas) or the Restricted Activity Directions (Restricted Areas); and

(ii) it is not reasonably practicable for the worker to perform work at their ordinary place of residence or another suitable premises which is not the Work Premises; and

(c) must comply with the Stay at Home Directions (Restricted Areas), the Workplace (Additional Industry Obligations) Directions and all other Directions currently in force where they apply to that employer.

• Further Directions on Mandatory vaccinations for Authorised providers and authorised workers (APAW’s) are soon to be released in addition to those already in place as a requirement for visiting or working on a construction site. According to current advice the mandate is intended to apply to all workers – in Melbourne and regional Victoria – on an Authorised Worker list who cannot work at home will require their first COVID-19 vaccine dose by Friday, 15 October 2021. From 26 November 2021, the requirement will increase to having had two doses or a medical exception.
• Offices in metropolitan Melbourne and the locked down (restricted) LGAs of regional Victoria, are currently closed (unless for the purposes of being an authorised provider or worker).
• In offices in the non-restricted LGAs of regional Victoria, the 25 per cent capacity or maximum of 10 people, whichever is greater together with a density quotient of one person per four square metres in shared spaces.

Key points:

• Work from home if you can.
• If visiting a construction site you must be vaccinated according to current requirements set out in the Construction Restart Plan.
• Conditions for cross-region visits are set out in Construction Restart Plan and also Workplace (Additional Industry Obligations) Directions (No. 49)
• In metro Melbourne and restricted areas of regional Victoria, working from a studio is permitted as Authorised Work if it is not possible to work from home on the basis of being part of and/or supporting building and construction services and an Authorised Worker permit is therefore required.
• More details are to be provided about vaccinations for Authorised Workers as will be more broadly required in both Melbourne and the regions.

October 7, 2021

Victorian Department of Health is hosting free webinars for employers and employees to learn about the latest developments in the Victorian COVID-19 vaccination program and have their vaccine questions answered by medical experts. Topics covered:

• The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination
• Update on the Victorian COVID-19 Immunisation program
• The difference between COVID-19 vaccines
• Safety and possible side effects
• Addressing common concerns or misconceptions
• Have your COVID-19 questions answered by our experts in a live Q&A.

Session and registration links:

• Thursday 7 October 2021, 1.00pm with A/Prof Margie Danchin
• Thursday 7 October 2021, 6.00pm with Dr Thomas Schulz 
• Friday 8 October at 12pm with Professor Ben Cowie

October 1, 2021  4PM Update

At a Government briefing today, the Deputy Secretary of the Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) advised the Institute that site visits for measure-ups are considered “preparation” and hence settings applicable to construction will apply in so far as being able to visit premises to undertake preparatory works. We note that the Construction Restart Plan defines “construction activity” as follows:

“Construction activity is any work done in connection with the construction, alteration, conversion, fitting out, commissioning, renovation, refurbishment, decommissioning or demolition of any building or structure, or any similar activity.”

To leave no doubt, any member entering an established construction site will be required to be vaccinated according to the previous update posted today as well as carrying an Authorised Worker permit. In preparation, please ensure you have a relevant digital or hard copy certificate.

In addition:

1. All Authorised Workers also need to be vaccinated to work away from home according to the following guidelines. Any Authorised Worker will require vaccination for all permitted work away from home.
2. It is likely that Architects’ clients such as aged care providers may also have full vaccination requirements. Please discuss with your clients before visiting their sites.

NOTE : Unfortunately, non-essential work at occupied premises will continue to be prohibited after the re-opening of Construction on October 5. We were advised to this afternoon that the settings applicable to metropolitan Melbourne and non-locked down LGAs of Regional Victoria as they were prior to the shutdown of construction sites will continue to apply at this stage. This will have implications for pre-construction visits to premises as well as construction projects contracts, members may be administering for a client.

The good news is, as posted earlier, that visits by metro-based workers to the regions will be permitted for fully vaccinated Authorised Workers.

October 1, 2021

The State Government has announced that restrictions on the construction industry will ease from 11.59pm on Monday, 4 October, with a Construction Sector Roadmap in effect moving forward.

Key details for members:

• Worker Permits & Vaccine Mandate:  In order to work onsite, all workers — including Architects — need to carry an Authorised Worker permit and have had at least one vaccine dose.
• Vaccination Register:  Site Operators will be required to attest that they have implemented the CHO directions and every site will need to have an up-to-date vaccination register. An online portal will soon be available on the Service Victoria website. In a DPJR briefing yesterday, the Government confirmed to the Institute that it is the responsibility of site operators to main the up-to-date vaccination register. Members visiting sites should ensure they are carrying proof of their vaccination status with them. A PDF of your COVID-19 digital certificate can be downloaded from your myGov account or via the Express Plus Medicare app.
• Metro-Regional Travel:  Fully vaccinated workers can travel between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria in order to work onsite. Workers on state critical projects or large scale construction can also travel between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria if they have had a single dose, take an initial test before their first travel, then test twice per week until fully vaccinated.

Additional changes:

• Workforce caps:  Up to five workers and a supervisor will be able to work onsite for small scale construction projects, and large scale sites can have up to 25 per cent of workers onsite. If crib rooms meet best practice and the entire workforce is fully vaccinated, large scale construction sites can have up to 50 per cent of workers onsite. Projects on the State Critical Infrastructure list will operate at 100 per cent as long as crib rooms follow best practice guidelines. Subject to continued high levels of compliance by the industry, workforce caps will progressively increase. At our 70 per cent double dose milestone, large scale construction can return to 100 per cent of its workforce. Caps will be removed when Victoria reaches its 80 per cent target, and in addition, all onsite workers must be fully vaccinated by 13 November.
• Crib Facilities (tea rooms) may be used for the consumption of food and drink with strict density requirements and additional ventilation.
• COVID Marshals:  Every construction site in Victoria must have a fully-trained COVID marshal to ensure compliance with Chief Health Officer directions.
• Enforcement: Teams of Authorised Workers will conduct checks to enforce directions, and penalties will be in place for builders and site operators that do not comply – including site shutdowns for significant or repeated breaches.
• Vaccine Access:  Over the next week there are 13,000 first dose Pfizer appointments available and 8,000 first dose Astra Zeneca appointments available through the state-run system. Victorians can also book a vaccine appointment through their GP or pharmacist where many more appointments are available.

September 30, 2021

The State and Commonwealth Governments have announced a package of grants to support small and medium-sized businesses over the next six weeks until Victoria is expected to reach 80% vaccination. These include the Small Business COVID Hardship Fund, the Business Costs Assistance Program, the Small Business Digital Adaptation Program and the Wellbeing and Mental Health Support grants.

September 20, 2021

IMPORTANT: The State Government has announced that construction will shut down in metropolitan Melbourne and other Local Government Areas currently in lockdown for two weeks from 11.59pm, Monday 20 September. All construction projects in metropolitan Melbourne, City of Ballarat, City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire and Mitchell Shire will be closed, with a strictly limited exemption for workers to attend the sites to respond to an emergency or perform urgent and essential work to protect health and safety. An amnesty will be put in place so that a limited number of workers can attend construction sites in order to shut them down safely. All sites will be required to demonstrate compliance with Chief Health Officer Directions prior to reopening – including the requirement for workers to show evidence to their employer of having had one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before they return to site on 5 October. More info here.

September 20, 2021

Victoria has released its roadmap details aligned to the national targets.

We remain without many of the more specific details about a staged re-opening of construction. There are only broad indicators for construction laid out in Victoria’s Roadmap: Delivering the National Plan  At present, there are no details of any proposed changes to occur in construction until 80% full vaccination of the 16+ population. This is not predicted to be reached until October 26^th. At this point the only indicated change will be that construction workforce caps are increased to 50% where workers have all had their first dose vaccination with the vaccine mandate on construction sites in operation by then.

Today the Institute asked Victorian Employment Minister, Jaala Pulford, at the Covid-19 Industry briefing if Architects could be permitted to carry out CovidSafe pre-construction site visits/inspections (e.g for scoping and taking measurements) resolved down to different settings for Regional vs Metro and occupied vs unoccupied sites rather than the current unclear blanket restrictions. The Institute recommended that this could follow a similar arrangement of balanced permitted inspections to those in place for real estate inspections. The Institute flagged the important downstream impact in terms of the future pipeline of construction work. The Minister said that she is open to more tailored restrictions adding that there is no reason why architecture and design should be treated “wildly different from real estate” .

The Institute will liaise with Directors in the Department of Jobs Precincts and Regions and put forward a proposal as to how this might work.

September 19, 2021

The Chief Health Officer has declared the City of Greater Geelong, the Surf Coast and Mitchell Shire will enter a seven-day lockdown commencing at 11:59pm on Sunday 19 September, with restrictions the same as those in the City of Ballarat and metropolitan Melbourne, excluding the curfew.

September 16, 2021   6PM Update

Following the Premier’s announcement earlier today, the Institute has attended a State Government briefing this evening to clarify how the new settings apply to Architects.

• The vaccination mandate – which requires construction workers state-wide to show evidence of a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine by 11:59pm Thursday, 23 September – will apply to anyone visiting construction sites. This will include architects and other construction professionals visiting construction sites. It covers all construction sites including small-scale residential renovations, residential apartments, infrastructure and early-stage land works. Site sheds that are off-site but are set up to support that site work will be considered as part of the construction site for the purposes of the mandate. At this stage, the vaccine is not being mandated for workers whose work is performed solely in a studio/ office (e.g. in respect of regional architects who are currently able to be in their studios subject to the office quotients. More here)
• The vaccine mandate for being on construction sites will be a legal requirement set by the Chief Health Officer and will be given effect through the same legal mechanism that is used to mandate vaccination for workers in residential aged care.
• All construction workers will no longer be able to cross the regional-metropolitan boundary for work. This applies to all construction professionals including Architects, Engineers, Building Surveyors and Draftspersons. This restriction means that a metropolitan Melbourne Construction Professional cannot visit any regional construction site and vice versa.

It is expected the Chief Health Officer will publish these new directions tomorrow (17^th September). We will continue to update this site will additional details as they become available.

September 16, 2021

Important State Government announcement:  Construction workers state-wide will need to show evidence to their employer that they have had a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by 11:59pm Thursday, 23 September in order to continue working.

Some limited medical exemptions and proof-of-booking exceptions will apply, in line with previous requirements for residential aged care workers.

In addition, construction workers will now not be able to cross the metropolitan-regional boundary for work.  Tea rooms will need to close and food or drink will not be able to be consumed indoors at work. Worker shift bubbles must be in practice and all sites will require a COVIDSafe Marshal on site.

September 15, 2021

From 11.59pm on Wednesday, 15 September, Ballarat will lock down for 7 days with the same restrictions as Metropolitan Melbourne except the curfew. From 11.59pm on Wednesday, 15 September, Shepparton will have their restrictions downgraded to match the rest of regional Victoria.

September 13, 2021

Further to yesterday’s update, the State Government has announced a massive compliance blitz on construction sites over the next four weeks. The enforcement operation will adopt a “zero tolerance” approach including fines and prohibition notices. In addition to these compliance measures, the government will allow walk-ups without a booking for construction workers – including Architects visiting permitted sites – at four major vaccination centres every day from today until 26 September. In addition, thousands of priority Pfizer appointments and unlimited AstraZeneca access has been provided for the sector including permitted Architects. Members seeking to take advantage of these priority appointments are advised to show their Authorised Worker Permits and state you are an architect working on permitted construction sites. Further information about booking vaccinations can be found here. In a media release today the Premier noted that “Anyone who works at a site where civil works, building or construction activities take place, including contractors and architects working onsite, will be eligible.”  The construction sector blitz was also discussed by Victorian Treasurer, Tim Pallas, in his media briefing this morning which can be viewed in this 6 minute ABC news article.

Members can find the Vaccination briefing information (PDF) in this document provided by the State Government including key statistics, vaccination hub information and maps.

September 12, 2021

This evening at very short notice (late this afternoon) Institute representatives including Chapter President,  Bill Krotiris,  were able to attend an online construction sector briefing by Treasurer Tim Pallas and Industry Minister, Martin Pakula whose portfolios include that of Minister for Industry Support and Recovery.

In summary: 

1. A large proportion of new Victorian Covid-19 cases are apparently occurring in construction sector workforce. 116 cases were linked to one construction site in Box Hill and more cases at other sites. For more information you can watch this ABC News piece on YouTube from yesterday (Saturday September 11th): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiYQuhisnWw

2. As a consequence there will be 50 additional compliance officers out checking construction sites.
3. There is a very real risk that the entire construction sector could be shut down in Victoria (that would be regional Victoria and Metropolitan Melbourne) if the situation does not improve.
4. If you are visiting a construction site – please abide all requirements set for that site including masks, checking in etc.. Ensure you practice has its own CovidSafe Plan – mention was made that subcontractors visiting sites need to have their own plans as well.
5. The construction industry is being strongly urged to get vaccinated. The Minister has forewarned that vaccination could be made mandatory on construction sites by the Victorian Government.
6. There is now prioritised vaccine access over the coming week to Pfiser for people less than 60 and Astra Zeneca for 60+ who work in the construction sector. The Treasurer, when asked by the Institute, says that the priority access also includes Architects who visit construction sites. This prioritised access is taking place from 13th September to 19th September. When you ring the Covid booking line, please state that you are an Architect who works in construction and has to visit construction sites for inspections and certifications. If you experience any difficult, advise the booking staff that the Treasurer has personally advised your professional association of this. If you experience difficulties in doing so – please advise us via the Victorian Chapter email address vic@architecture.com.au and we will notify the health minister’s office.

September 8, 2021 Update for Members in Regional Victoria

The Victorian Government has announced that lockdown restrictions will be lifted for regional Victoria from 11:59pm on Thursday, 9 September. While the Authorised Worker list will no longer apply in regional Victoria – we were advised at 8:00pm tonight by the Industry Coordination Centre of the Department of Jobs Precincts and Regions  that “There is no change to restrictions for the construction industry following today’s announcement of the end of lockdown in regional Victoria from 11:59pm on Thursday 9 September. The current restrictions for the construction sector will remain in place in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria“.

September 7, 2021 Update for Members

As announced on 1 September, the Victorian Government extended the state-wide lockdown until approximately 23 September. Of particular interest to members, subject to epidemiological conditions, the number of authorised workers permitted on large-scale construction sites may increase to 50% on 23 September if 90% of workers have received the first dose of vaccine. We will update this page with further details as they become available. In the meantime, members and on-site workers can find further information and book vaccination appointments by visiting this website. (Information about group bookings can be found here.)

September 6, 2021 Update for Victorian Businesses

The Victorian government has announced additional funding for the Small Business COVID Hardship Fund. This program supports businesses that have been ineligible for Victorian Government business support programs since May but have experienced a reduction in revenue of at least 70%. This includes businesses that are legally allowed to operate but are restricted in their ability to generate revenue. Grants of $20,000 are available. Applications close 10 September. Further details here.

September 1, 2021 Update for Victorian Businesses

The Victorian Government has announced an extension of the state-wide lockdown due to the level of community transmission of COVID-19 and the number of unlinked cases. Almost all of the current restrictions will remain in place until 70% of Victorians have had at least one dose of vaccine. This is estimated to be around 23 September.

While these restrictions will remain state-wide for now, consideration will be given to easing restrictions in parts of regional Victoria next week.

When 70% of Victorians have had at least one vaccine dose, the government will look to ease restrictions further. Of particular interest to members, the government will consider increasing the number of construction workers on site to 50% when 90% of workers have received at least one vaccine dose. Please note this future easing does not currently apply.

Our Policy and Advocacy Manager has made representations to the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions seeking clarity about existing restrictions and advocating for common-sense changes where necessary. We will continue to update this page with the latest advice as soon as we have it.

August 23, 2021 Update for Victorian Businesses

The Victorian Government has announced a package of automatic cash grants for regional Victorian businesses to complement their previous package for businesses in Metropolitan Melbourne. Of particular interest to some members:

• Business Costs Assistance Program provides additional support to eligible small to medium businesses in sectors affected by the current restrictions  ($2,800 per week; ongoing)
• Small Business COVID Hardship Fund supports business that are ineligible for business support programs and have experienced a reduction in revenue of at least 70%. Businesses that are legally allowed to operate but are restricted in their ability to generate revenue will be among those businesses that could be eligible.  ($14,000; Closing date 10 September)
• COVID-19 Disaster Payments: Eligible workers across the state who lose hours of work due to the lockdown will be able to access the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Disaster Payment, as will individuals who are sole-trader business owners who lose work and that do not qualify for Victorian Government support programs.

Details concerning eligibility and applications are available on the Business Victoria website.

August 22, 2021 Update for Members in Regional Victoria

Dear Regional Victorian members, with yesterday’s announcement by the Premier of Regional Victoria’s re-entry into lockdown, building and construction restrictions have been brought into effect as of 1:00pm yesterday (Saturday August 21st). The Victorian Department of Jobs, Precincts and  Regions (DPJR) Industry Coordination Centre has emailed the following advice to the Institute and other stakeholders:

The Victorian Government has announced that regional Victoria will enter lockdown from 1pm today, Saturday 21 August.

All metropolitan Melbourne restrictions – excluding the curfew – will be implemented across regional Victoria until 11.59pm Thursday, 2 September.

This is due to the ongoing level of community transmission, the large number of mystery cases and a surge of new cases and exposures sites outside of metropolitan Melbourne.

For a detailed overview of the restrictions, see the Table of Restrictions.

For the Construction sector in regional Victoria

• Workforce limits apply to the construction industry from 1pm today, however industry will be engaged about safely reducing staff numbers as they secure sites.
• Face masks are mandatory indoors (not at home) and outdoors, including all workplaces, unless an exception applies.

• Apply a density quotient of one person per four square metres at all sites. Staffing reductions apply, except for critical infrastructure and emergency repairs.

• At large scale construction sites, staffing must reduce to 25 per cent of a project’s resourcing plan as of 1pm 21 August 2021 or five workers on site, whichever is higher.
• At small scale construction, there is a limit of five workers on site.
• At early stage residential land development sites, there is a limit of 10 workers per hectare at any one time.
• In order to calculate 25 per cent of a project’s resourcing plan, you must take the daily average number of workers on the large-scale construction site across the project lifecycle, as derived from the large-scale construction site’s resourcing plan as of 16 August.

• Employers must limit movement of workers between construction sites, except in relation to supervisors on small-scale construction sites, specialist contractors (up to three construction sites per week), specialists who provide safety services, or those required to meet statutory obligations or requirements (e.g., auditors, building inspectors or surveyors).
• The provision for outdoor work at occupied premises returns to a single authorised worker, except where it is dangerous to work alone, in which case a supervisor is allowed.
• To give industry time to adjust, workforce permits will be required to leave the house for authorised work from 11.59pm Monday 23 August.

More information on the Authorised provider and authorised worker permit is available on the coronavirus website.

More information specific to the construction industry is available on the construction sector page.

August 17, 2021 Update

Members please read carefully- all  the information at Construction Sector Guidance

on the Victorian Government coronavirus.vic.gov.au website.

Essential highlights for Metropolitan Melbourne:

• Architects are included in daily worker counts on construction sites.

• Architects, surveyors, auditors, building inspectors and engineers  that provide architecture, engineering, surveying, building inspection or compliance services or statutory functions must work from home where possible.

• When an Architect is working on a permitted construction project and are required to attend site for inspection and safety purposes, they can do so. They are counted as workers and the site worker quotient limits apply to them. An Architect will require a valid Authorised Worker Permit and limitations apply. Authorised Worker Permit Forms can be downloaded from: Authorised provider and authorised worker permit

• As with specialist contractors who need to move between sites Architects, surveyors, auditors, building inspectors and engineers are permitted to visit no more than three different sites a week, except where those visits are required to meet a minimum statutory obligation or requirement.

• Renovations indoors may not proceed at occupied premises but outdoor works which are carefully defined may proceed. 

• Tradespeople and builders cannot visit homes for renovations but can provide repairs, maintenance, home installations and other building works if able to perform the work solo (unless additional workers are required for safety reasons) and only outdoors.

• If the occupants have vacated the property and it is completely unoccupied, then renovations can proceed in line with restrictions on small scale construction.

• If the occupants are still living at the property, then trades people and builders can only make emergency repairs indoors.

• An apartment is regarded as unoccupied only when all apartments in that building are empty. If any apartments have residents, all apartments in the building are considered to be occupied.

• An unoccupied structure, such as a granny flat or a shed, is considered unoccupied even if it is on a property with occupied houses, if you can enter it without entering the occupied part of the property.

• Quotients of the greater of 25% of the average daily project plan or 5 workers apply to large construction sites.

• Large construction sites are defined by a number of parameters including number of storeys, typology and floor area. Please read the details on the construction sector guidance webpage carefully.

• Construction contracts can be signed and commenced if they are works relating to a permitted construction work premises:
  • Building and non-building construction (including residential)
  • Construction of critical and essential infrastructure and services to support these projects, and other construction in line with restrictions
  • Critical repairs to any premises, are allowed, where required for emergency or safety.

• All workers on a site count towards the daily worker limit, with the exception workers undertaking emergency repairs and maintenance and workers engaged as suppliers and in deliveries (e.g. workers operating concrete trucks, concrete testers and the like who are only present onsite for a short period of time).

• Movement of builders and contractors between residential sites must be managed in line with requirements for small-scale construction. Under those requirements, workers’ movements must be limited, supervisors and specialists who provide safety services may move between as many small-scale construction sites as necessary to fulfil their duties, and specialist contractors may move between up to three sites a week. These arrangements must be recorded in, and observe the requirements of, the COVIDSafe plan at each site.

August 16, 2021 Update 9.45pm

Much awaited detailed information about the 25% construction site quotients still has not been published on the coronavirus.vic.gov.au website. An example of missing details is the definition of  “large  construction sites”.  It does appear that some outdoor works at occupied premises can continue. The Institute has sought clarification on whether architects, engineers and building surveyors are included in daily worksite counts and awaits clear direction. 

Some key points to note from the Construction FAQs at How we work: metropolitan Melbourne:

• The definition of ‘outside’ for the purposes of construction, building and maintenance work means a  work space that is not fully enclosed. This means renovation work, such as a house extension, that occurs in a space without a roof or wall is considered to be outside. The ‘outdoor’ work space must be entirely separated from the occupied part of the house, so that workers and residents cannot access the same space (e.g., workers must not be able to enter the occupied areas of the house, even when residents are not present).
• Workers must avoid contact with residents of the building and must wear face masks indoors and outdoors, unless a lawful reason not to wear one applies.
• An apartment is regarded as unoccupied only when all apartments in that building are empty. If any apartments have residents, all apartments in the building are considered to be occupied.
• An unoccupied structure, such as a granny flat or a shed, is considered unoccupied even if it is on a property with occupied houses, if you can enter it without entering the occupied part of the property.
• Workers must avoid contact with residents of the building and must wear face masks indoors and outdoors, unless a lawful reason not to wear one applies.
• If a building inspection is critical to the building or construction project, it is considered to be part of the construction and may occur.  
• Workers who live in metropolitan Melbourne can work on construction, building and maintenance projects in regional Victoria if the work appears on the Authorised Provider and Authorised Worker List and the work cannot be done from home. This means a Melbourne-based office worker for a construction project in regional Victoria must only attend the regional office if their work cannot be done from home. When in regional Victoria, the restrictions travel with the Melbourne-based worker – for example, they must not dine in cafes or restaurants.

Authorised Worker Permit Forms can be downloaded from: Authorised provider and authorised worker permit

We will continue to  update members as more relevant information becomes available.

August 16, 2021 Update 3:00pm – Extended Lockdown and Construction Site Quotients Reintroduced

From tonight the Victorian lockdown restrictions will be strengthened and extended in metropolitan Melbourne, until 11.59pm on Thursday, 2 September. This is an additional 14 days on the previous directions.

The strengthened settings will see a curfew imposed from 9pm to 5am every night. This will operate as it did last year, with very limited reasons to leave the home during this time. 

The restrictions commence from 11.59pm tonight.

Permits will be required to leave the house for authorised work, consistent with the arrangements that were in place last year.

Additional restrictions will also apply to the construction industry, again operating as it did last year with staffing reductions in place except for critical infrastructure and emergency repairs.

At large scale construction sites, staffing must reduce to 25 per cent or five workers on site, whichever is higher.

Authorised workers will be required to carry permits when working, and when travelling for work, from 11:59pm on Tuesday August 17. The permits need to be certified by an employer. Permits will be available on the coronavirus website before these directions come into effect. For more information visit:

Premier’s announcement extended lockdown Victoria

and download the Table of Restrictions

August 13, 2021 Update – Outdoor Works at Occupied Premises

The Department of Health has approved more changes to the Authorised Provider and Authorised Worker list. From 11:59 last night, Thursday 12 August, the following services of businesses with an ABN that operate solely outdoors where physical distancing can be maintained at all times are  permitted with up to five people (with an additional supervisor): 

• Outdoor maintenance, repairs, cleaning and other building work, including at occupied premises 
• Home renovations and installations (outdoor only) 
• Home solar panel installations (only for outdoor work or in roof cavities with external access).  See: Authorised providers and workers list

August 12, 2021 Update – Slight Reduction in Works Restrictions

Businesses with an ABN can resume outdoor services at an occupied premise when it can be safely carried out by a single worker and physical distancing can be maintained at all times. Services can include:

• Outdoor maintenance, repairs, cleaning and other building work.
• Outdoor home renovations and installations.
• Home solar panel installations (only for outdoor work or in roof cavities with external access).

Strict health measures are required, and workers must wear face masks and have no contact with residents. For further information see: Construction Sector Guidance

August 10, 2021 Update – Different Restrictions in Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria

Stay at Home Directions (Victoria) (No 4) have been revoked and replaced by Stay Safe Directions (Regional Victoria) (No 7) and Stay at Home Directions (Metropolitan Melbourne) (No 2). The Restricted Activity Directions (Victoria) (No’s 22 and 23) have been replaced by Restricted Activity Directions (Metropolitan Melbourne) (No. 7) and  Restricted Activity Directions (Regional Victoria) (No. 7). 

As a result different restrictions have been applied in Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria as of 11:59pm  Monday August 9th. 

Construction and Building Activity is no longer restricted in Regional Victoria.

1. Construction and Building may continue in Metropolitan Melbourne subject to the continued prohibition on non-essential works at occupied premises.
2. Construction and renovations, including pool installation, painting, and landscaping, must not proceed at occupied premises in Metropolitan Melbourne.  
3. Emergency repairs and maintenance are permitted, however workers must wear face masks and have no contact with residents.  For further information see the Construction FAQs at: How we work: metropolitan Melbourne

Under Clause 5, subclause 9 (c)  and Clause 8 of  the Stay at Home Directions (Metropolitan Melbourne) (No. 2) it is permissible to  travel from Metropolitan Melbourne to Regional Victoria for work. However, your Metropolitan Melbourne restrictions travel with you – meaning that you cannot engage in  indoor dining, for example, if visiting Regional Victoria for work. For further information download: Stay at Home Directions – Metropolitan Melbourne (No. 5)

To access all current directions visit: COVID-19 restrictions

August 6, 2021 Update – Lockdown 6.0

Settings for this lockdown (6.0) for construction are similar to the commencement of the previous lockdown (5.0). Building and Construction Services are are on the Authorised Workers list as well as commercial operations that supply goods or service necessary to support any business activity that may be carried out in accordance with the directions. This can be read at at: Authorised Workers List

This afternoon the Institute attended an online briefing on industry restrictions and assistance by the Victorian Department of Job Precincts and Regions (DPJR). In reply to a question by the Institute as to whether “Architects, Draftpersons, Engineers, Building Surveyors and other consultants are included as “Building and Construction Services” the Institute was advised “Yes they are included in building and construction“.

It is also important to note that, construction and renovations, including pool installation, painting, and landscaping, must NOT proceed at occupied premises. See FAQ in:  Construction Sector Guidance

August 5, 2021 – New Victoria Lockdown 6.0

Due to the COVID-19 cases reported in the last 24 hours – suspected to be the highly infectious Delta variant – Victoria will enter a state-wide lockdown for seven days from 8:00pm tonight, Thursday 5 August. For more information read: 

Victorian Premier’s lockdown announcement 5th August

PLEASE NOTE: LOCKDOWN INFORMATION FOR  PREVIOUS LOCKDOWNS HAS BEEN REMOVED TO AVOID CONFUSION