WHILE EALRY adaptation of on-site hygiene practices, including safety, physical distancing rules and staggered break times, were implemented on construction sites to provide safer workplace practices – the increase in community virus transmissions has necessitated further safety measures.

Michael Paynter, liaison officer for the Building and Construction Industry, will brief up to 200 construction Health and Safety (H&S) representatives to ensure they are armed with all guidelines for safe work practices.  

The briefing initiative will help ensure H&S representatives have the capability to assist the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) with workplace mapping of close and casual contact of workers who have tested positive to COVID-19.

Mr Paynter said, "By briefing on-site H&S representatives, we will be better positioned to assist with workplace mapping, all of which will further strengthen the health and safety platform for building and construction workers – and in turn – keep our Industry operational."

CFMEU officials closed a site in Melbourne’s inner west where 11 positive COVID-19 cases have been confirmed. The CFMEU in conjunction with site management immediately shut the site after the first case was confirmed (four days prior to the DHHS instruction) preventing any further opportunities for the virus to spread amongst workers. 

Yesterday, DHHS contacted the relevant site management to perform further contact tracing, instructing the job to remain shut for the next two weeks, with no workers to return to the site without proof of a negative test result. 

John Setka CFMEU secretary for Vic/Tas said, "Our commitment to the health and safety of our workers has always been paramount and we’ve done a great job so far; but we need to do more to look after each other, our families and the community.  So, if you or anyone in your household is unwell, stay home and get tested."

He said the CFMEU remained committed to the implementation of COVID-19 safety procedures to ensure the protection of all construction workers.  The current industry guidelines are first class, with daily on-site virus testing clinics.  To date, well over 6,000 workers have been tested at more than 100 construction sites around Melbourne.

"It is critical that the industry continues to move forward with health and safety testing clinics for all construction workers and expanding safety measures where and when required."

WITH ‘free childcare’ ending today, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell said many women in small businesses will be faced with difficult decisions.

“For small business owners – many of which are mothers – who have been working tirelessly to get back on their feet, childcare has just become unaffordable,” Ms Carnell said.

“Many of these young families working in small businesses are relying on JobKeeper, which will not cover childcare fees reinstated from today.

“This could force parents – mothers more often than not - out of their jobs, which is detrimental to their business, their families and even worse for the economy.

“We know women make up more than a third of Australia’s small business owners (38%) and more than 5 million women work in these businesses," Ms Carnell said.

“Recent ABS labour force data shows women have been among the hardest hit by the pandemic, with the female participation rate falling dramatically.

“The government should be monitoring this situation very closely and be considering innovative ways to increase the participation rates for women to ensure productivity gains and to help those in their efforts to get their businesses back on track," she said.

“Our COVID-19 Recovery Plan makes the point that childcare is an essential service for parents in small businesses and needs to be affordable.

“There are a number of ways the government can do this, including making childcare tax-effective or by phasing in an expanded subsidy scheme, which the Grattan Institute estimates would deliver an $11 billion economic boost.

“Economists have long referred to the ‘double dividend’ of childcare increasing workforce participation rates and providing early education," Ms Carnell said.

“Equally the government should be monitoring the impact that the reinstatement of fees is having on childcare centres, many of which are small businesses, which have warned of dire consequences of the so-called snap-back to the previous system.”

www.asbfeo.gov.au

ends

THE FIRST HEARINGS for the Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth’s inquiry into the need for Australia to diversify its trade markets and foreign investment profile will be held in Canberra on July 14 and 15.

George Christensen MP, Chair of the Parliament’s Trade and Investment Growth Committee, said it had become critical for Australia to review and assess its strengths and weaknesses in a context of growing international uncertainty and globalised economic interdependence.

"Adapting to and preparing for evolving market challenges is necessary to support Australian export businesses," Mr Christensen said.

"Australia needs to ensure any foreign investment is consistent with our national interest and not to the detriment of Australians."

The hearings will focus on the agricultural sector and business and industry groups. Programs are available on the inquiry website.

As part of its inquiry, the Committee is considering whether Australia is too reliant on foreign investment and any one market for exports, and the advantages and disadvantages of its current trade and investment profile.

The Committee will also examine how global crises and bilateral trade agreements affect Australia’s export and investment relationships, as well as its domestic market.

"Understanding Australia’s export capacity and foreign investment attractiveness will help Australian businesses remain competitive internationally. This supports a strong economy that keeps people in jobs," Mr Christensen said.

Further public hearings will be scheduled in August, with updates to be provided on the Committee’s webpage.

Submissions from interested individuals, businesses and organisations are invited by Friday, July 31, 2020. The preferred method of receiving submissions is by electronic format lodged online using a My Parliament account.

More information about the inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on how to lodge a submission, is available on the Committee’s webpage.

Public hearings details

Date: 14 July 2020
Time: 9am to 5pm
Location: Canberra

Date: 15 July 2020
Time: 9am to 12.30pm
Location: Canberra

ends

THE TEAM at SkyPoint are incredibly excited to throw open the elevator doors to their Level 77 Observation Deck and Climb experience in the heart of Surfers Paradise, from Friday tJuly 10.

SkyPoint will re-open with a COVID Safe Industry Plan in place to ensure the safety of its team members and guests remains a priority.

Guests are now able to dine, drink and enjoy the Gold Coast’s best 360-degree view from atop the Q1 building. For those who prefer a thrill, SkyPoint Climb will also re-open tomorrow, so guests can again take on Australia’s highest external building climb.

“SkyPoint is an iconic Surfers Paradise attraction and there is no better place to see the sights and surrounds of the magnificent Gold Coast. We look forward to welcoming both local and visiting guests back to the venue.” SkyPoint general manager, Dylan Hunt said.

SkyPoint opens at 10am on Friday and will be open seven days a week.

www.skypoint.com.au

ends