Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Sunday 6 September, a further two weeks of Stage 4 Lockdowns for Metro Melbourne, seeing restrictions at this level continue until September 28…
While there will be some eased changes in place from 11:59pm 13 September, these do not impact the current status for businesses.
Unfortunately, this means continued restrictions in place for businesses across the value chain of our TCF sector until 28 September. At which point, we will move through various steps on what the Government has released as a road map to “Covid Normal”.
The steps are based on reaching active case targets in the community and will be impacted by fluctuating numbers and public health advice.
We reiterate the importance of developing your Covid Safe Plans now, so your business is ready at such time as it is able to reopen.
With ongoing industry and government engagement, AFC and other bodies have and continue to advocate for the TCF sector. We recognise that TCF in Australia is a Victorian heavy industry and we have seen the lockdowns leading to great business losses and in some cases total cessation.
After convening with a small group of Victorian industry stakeholders, the AFC presented the urgency of the situation to both State and Federal Government with the following suggestions that would help support our industry in the short term;
Commitments to Onshore Government Procurement & PPE National Stockpile | Industry could be significantly bolstered from supportive procurement practices - this is happening in US, Canada and many European countries and leads to jobs, security of supply etc and has broad, long term value. For example, guaranteeing 50% of National Procurement to local textile and uniform manufacturing will make a significant positive impact on local businesses and jobs.
JobKeeper for VIC businesses | Due to shut-down, maintain original payment value and extend timeline for Vic businesses
TCF Manufacturing Permitted Premises | Allow manufacturing to continue through level 4 lockdown with Covid Safe Plan in place
TCF Award Review - Contracting | Adapt TCF award to permit contracting where possible/necessary
Campaign | Create demand for Australian Made and Australian Owned TCF by marketing Australian Fashion locally and globally
Incentive Local Manufacturing | Provide tax incentives and grants to encourage Australian Brands to manufacture and buy locally
Rest assured that the AFC plans to continue to advocate on behalf of the industry on the above and beyond.
In the meantime we hope you, your families and loved ones stay strong and well.
Coronavirus Roadmap to Reopening - www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions-roadmaps
Metro Melbourne Road Map - www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions-roadmap-metro-melbourne
Regional Victoria Road Map - www.vic.gov.au/restrictions-roadmap-regional-victoria
Creating a Covid Safe Plan - www.business.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-safe-business/creating-a-covid-safe-workplace
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