Restrictive worker permits now in force across Melbourne after state records 725 infections
“Essential workers” will now need to keep a logbook of every move they make for the next six weeks - or risk a hefty fine.
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Restrictive worker permits will come into force on Thursday with Melburnians needing to show proof they can leave their homes for work purposes or face a hefty fine.
Essential workers will now need to have a two-page permit on them at all times and keep a log book of their movements around the city as virus cases soared to a record high on Wednesday.
“Hefty penalties of up to $19,826 for individuals and $99,132 for businesses will apply to employers who issue worker permits to employees who do not meet the requirements of the worker permit scheme or who otherwise break the rules,” the Victorian Government said.
On-the-spot fines of up to $9913 for businesses and $1652 for individuals will also be enforced for breaching requirements, including for as little as not carrying a worker permit when required.
“It‘s a piece of paper. Your employer fills it out,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.
“They sign it. You sign it. You carry it with you. If you‘re pulled up by police, you can simply provide that piece of paper and then you would be waved on to go about your business.”
On the permit, workers are required to fill out their scheduled work hours from Thursday until the scheduled end of stage four lockdown in early September.
Workers must also stipulate their primary work location, and if there is more than one, the worker must provide a log book recording each work location, date and time of attendance.
The list of businesses and industries eligible to for the worker permits can be found here.
Originally published as Restrictive worker permits now in force across Melbourne after state records 725 infections