Essential worker permit: How it works and where to access it
Workers in Melbourne who need to leave their homes to go to work must carry a permit with them at all times, from August 6.
The permit comes as part of harsh new Stage 4 lockdown measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The Department of Justice website crashed on Wednesday, as Melburnians flocked to download the permit.
Announcing the permit system yesterday, Premier Daniel Andrews said the permit is “old-fashioned common sense” and will stop essential workers from having to repeatedly explain why they’re out and about.
Businesses which issue worker permits to employees who do not meet the requirements of the permit scheme face fines of up to $99,123.
Individuals face fines of up to $19,826.
Workers in industries with uniform photo identification, such as nurses and police, may use their work ID instead of the permit.
For all other workers in metropolitan Melbourne who are permitted to leave their homes for work, the two page permit is mandatory.
Workers must fill out details of their shifts, address and contact details.
The permit must be signed by both the employer and employee.
A separate Access to Childcare Permit for ‘permitted workers’ who are working from home was released on Wednesday night.
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Image: Daniel Pockett / Getty