COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update
The Covid-19 pandemic is a global health crisis that has caused a major disruption, both in the business community and in the lives of families and individuals around the world. And few places are the effects of this universal crisis felt more keenly than in the Australian building industry, where Covid-19 has called a temporary halt to building projects, worksite activities, and face to face meetings, classes and events.
Through the introduction of the BDAA Covid-19 information page, the Building Designers Association of Australia aims to unite our membership and the Australian building industry during this difficult time; offering you up to the minute, accurate information about this universal health crisis as well as major, active opportunities for you to stay busy, stay educated, and even lay the groundwork for exciting future opportunities in the Australian built environment.
An active online chapter. CPD webinar classes. Endless informational resources. These are just a few of the ways that you can maintain your momentum during this challenging time both in the BDAA and in the Australian building industry as a whole.
Check back here often for new updates and information from our Covid-19 online resource, available exclusively from the BDAA.
Covid FAQ
Yes. You are required to have a QR code if no one is living in the property while works are being carried out and if your work is the main building activity on the site. If you are a subcontractor see the next heading.
If the homeowner remains in the property during the renovation you are not required to have a QR code system.
As the person who has the management or control of the site, the builder is responsible to organise and implement a QR code.
Yes. All residential building sites will be required to have a QR code for each site.
Yes. Display homes, selection centres and offices are required to comply with the QR code requirements.
Members must take reasonable steps to ensure that their staff and customers check-in.
This does not apply to those working from a home office.
Yes, industrial premises (such as those used for manufacturing, production and assembly) will need to comply.
As the person who has the management or control of the site, the builder is responsible to organise and implement a QR code.
Members should be:
- displaying your QR codes in prominent locations such as on site signs, site sheds or toilet blocks,
- reminding people to check-in when entering the site,
- where possible, keeping an eye out for new people who have entered the site.
If it is not possible for a person to check-in using their device, you must have an alternate sign-in method. You then have 12 hours to register those contact details with Service NSW.
If a person refuses to check-in, you may refuse them entry.
To get a unique QR code for each building site, you must complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan for your business and register your business as COVID Safe.
You are required to have a single Service NSW COVID Safe Check-in QR code for each separate building site.
Find further information to register to use the Service NSW QR code system here.
If you need to register 20 or more building sites to obtain multiple QR codes you can use the bulk upload request form.
For more details about getting and using QR codes there are several online resources:
- Mandatory electronic check-in.
- Frequently asked questions regarding the COVID Safe Check-in.
- If you have registered as COVID Safe you can access the Service NSW Check-in Webform.
- COVID-19 restrictions and requirements.
Members should also continue to:
- Use Making space of site guidelines.
- Ensure your COVID Safe plan is relevant and up to date.
- Ensure compliance with the square metre rule indoors, where possible.
- Wear a face mask indoors and outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
- Ensure compliance with all COVID-19 health and hygiene requirements when travelling to and from building sites.
- Ensure shared spaces are cleaned, including on building sites.
State based quick links
Recognising the extremely challenging times ahead, the Tasmanian government is providing a $420 million support package aimed to sustain its economy and keep Tasmanians in work.
With employees one of the most important assets in running a successful business, it’s important to retain and support them in the wake of COVID-19.
Financial support is available to help minimise the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on your business.
Federal based quick links
The Australian Government has announced measures to support businesses impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19). If you’re a sole trader, learn what your business can get and where to go for help.
The instant asset write-off threshold has been increased from $30,000 to $150,000 and expanded access to include businesses with aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million). This applies from 12 March 2020 until 30 June 2020, for new or second‑hand assets first used or installed ready for use in this timeframe.
A time limited 15 month investment incentive to support business investment and economic growth over the short term, by accelerating depreciation deductions. This applies to eligible assets acquired from 12 March 2020 and first used or installed by 30 June 2021.
Provides up to $100,000 back to small and medium-sized businesses, with a minimum payment of $20,000 for eligible businesses. The payments will provide cash flow support to businesses with a turnover of less than $50 million and not-for-profit entities that employ staff. The payment will be tax free.
You may be able to claim deductions for your work-related expenses. Work-related expenses are expenses you incur on items used to earn your income working in the building and construction industry.
The government is allowing individuals affected by COVID-19 to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019–20 and a further $10,000 in 2020–21. Individuals will not need to pay tax on amounts released and the money they withdraw will not affect Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs payments.
Helpful occupation guides and information for tax time.
If you’re an employee who works from home, you may be able to claim a deduction for expenses relating to that work.
ATO quick links
Helpful occupation guides and information for tax time.
If you’re an employee who works from home, you may be able to claim a deduction for expenses relating to that work.
The ATO has prepared a range of resources to assist people in the building and construction industry during this difficult period.
As many individual’s working situations may have changed due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it is now more important than ever that building and construction workers understand how to best prepare and lodge their tax returns, to ensure they claim their applicable deductions. The ATO has launched its Tax Time 2020 campaign to help building and construction workers understand how to best prepare and lodge their tax returns.
The ATO are hoping to reach out to as many building and construction workers as possible with the attached resource kit and would really appreciate your support in sharing this across your website, newsletter and/or social media networks.
Attached are a number of specific resources you can share. These include:
- Construction Worker Tax Time Poster – This poster provides helpful information on which expenses building and construction workers can and cannot claim at tax time.
- Building and Construction Toolkit – This toolkit contains five posters (apprentice, construction worker, engineer, office worker and tradie). It also contains a general work-related expense guide for the building and construction sector.
- Working from Home – Use this information to see what you can claim as expenses during the period that you have had to move from the office to your home.
- The ATO are also encouraging employers looking to take advantage of the JobKeeper payment to register for updates at www.ato.gov.au/JobKeeper and the ATO will contact people as soon as more information is available.
