While Victoria is currently experiencing stage four restrictions due to a significant rise in COVID-19 cases, other states and territories are still open for business.

Each state and territory government has designed “COVID-safe” programs to help business owners do the right things and protect their customers and employees. Here are links to the relevant information for your state or territory.

New South Wales

If you’re in NSW, and run a hospitality venue such as cafe, restaurant, micro-brewery, club, small bar or casino, registering as a COVID Safe business is mandatory. For other types of businesses, registration is not mandatory – but is recommended.

Learn more at: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe-businesses

Queensland

The Queensland Government have outlined a Roadmap to Easing Restrictions, and part of that has been decisions on which businesses can operate under which restriction stages, and what limits apply on to the number of customers allowed on site. All QLD businesses are required to make a plan to ensure they keep staff and their customers safe.

Learn more at: www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/covid-safe-businesses

South Australia

Businesses that are involved in “defined public activities” – including hospitality, in-person house inspections, indoor public meetings and sport and recreation – must have a COVID-Safe Plan in order to trade in SA. Businesses that aren’t involved in these kinds of activities aren’t legally required to do so, but can complete a Voluntary COVID-Safe Plan.

Learn more at: www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/recovery/create-a-covid-safe-plan

Western Australia

The Western Australian Government is easing restrictions based on what’s called the WA Roadmap. And August 19 saw this plan move into Phase 4. That means any business that was required to close due to COVID-19 and is now reopening for the first time must complete a COVID Safety Plan. The state’s COVID Safety Guidelines will help you get started.

Learn more at: www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-business-and-industry-advice

Tasmania

All workplaces in Tasmania are required to have a Safety Plan in place that’s aligned with the state’s minimum COVID-19 safety standards. The Tasmanian Department of Public Health has outlined what these minimum standards are for a workplace to be considered “COVID Safe”.

Learn more at: coronavirus.tas.gov.au/business-and-employees/covid-19-safe-workplaces-framework

Northern Territory

With no current active cases, and their borders closed to interstate and overseas arrivals, gradual adjustments to restrictions are now possible in the Northern Territory. But all businesses must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan place to make sure they understand and can comply with physical distancing and hygiene requirements.

Learn more at: coronavirus.nt.gov.au/roadmap-new-normal/business

ACT/Canberra

Several types of businesses in the ACT and Canberra – including hospitality, health and fitness and personal services – are required to develop and follow a COVID safety plan. There are a range of documents available the government’s Business Resource Kit – including a guide to creating a COVID Safety Plan, posters that can be displayed at your business, as well as fact sheets and case studies.

Learn more at: www.covid19.act.gov.au/becoming-covid-safe

And with Treasury now predicting that Victoria is likely to ease back into stage three restrictions in late September, we’ll make sure to update this page with information for that state, as soon as it’s available.

The above information is a brief summary only and does not take into account your personal needs and is not a substitute for independent professional advice. We strongly recommend that you speak to your accountant as they will be able to provide you the most suitable advice for your individual circumstance and to ensure that you are also always receiving the most up to date information.