Last updated 19 November 2020
With coronavirus (COVID-19) declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, the spread of the virus is very much a concern for road transport businesses. It is impacting on businesses globally in many ways including reduced trade, temporary business closures, staffing issues, and supply chain interruptions. The following information and resources aim to help you manage your business during the crisis and into the recovery phase.
Please note: If you are concerned that you or someone in your family may have coronavirus symptoms and should get tested, then it's best to call coronavirus health information hotline on 1800 020 080 for advice.
This hotline has been expanded to a 24/7 operation that will triage people to a fever clinic or suggest they phone their local GP for follow up.
Cross border controls
State Governments have implemented border restrictions for freight services. Heavy vehicles are now subject to controls at most borders between the states and territories. Access the latest cross border controls here.
Grants and financial assistance
- Australian Banks and Finance Companies are offering relief packages
- Grants and financial assistance schemes available
- NAB pandemic relief for merchants
Templates
In order to help members manage their work health and safety obligations, NatRoad has published a COVID-19 WHS policy for use by members. The template is free for members but it can also be tailored to suit individual businesses. Tailoring of the policy by our member services team is available on a fee-for-service basis. Non-members are able to access the template for a fee, for more information email info@natroad.com.au.
COVID-19 Workplace Policy
COVID-19 Risk Assessment Template
Essential traveller - record of close contact
FAQ's
JobKeeper Payments
Workplace obligations and entitlements
Common tax questions about COVID-19
Can we still drive two-up?
Two-up driving teams are provided for under the NT, QLD, SA, TAS and WA border restriction exemptions if they fit in the following exemption category and the two-up operations were in place prior to the commencement of the border restrictions.
Factsheets and guidelines
COVID-19 Cab Sanitisation Guidelines
Guidelines - Point of delivery procedure guidelines during COVID-19
Fact sheet - Supporting businesses to retain jobs - Job keeper payment
Fact sheet - Income support for individuals
Fact sheet - COVID-19 Financial Assistance For Professional Drivers
Fact sheet - Cashflow assistance for businesses
Fact sheet - Fact sheet Cornonavirus - Assistance for severely affected regions
Fact sheet - Economic Response to the Coronavirus
Fact sheet - Delivering support for business investment
Fact sheet - What you can and can’t say to staff during the COVID-19 pandemic
Poster
Important COVID-19 hygiene for drivers
Where to get tested for COVID-19?
The Department of Health is funding up to 100 GP respiratory clinics to help protect Australians. If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19 you can contact a clinic to be assessed and get clinical advice
For a state by state breakdown visit:
https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/coronavirus-covid-19-gp-respiratory-clinics
Below is an additional helpful site with an Australian wide list of (COVID-19) testing locations.
https://www.finder.com.au/coronavirus-testing-locations
Noting that:
- Some COVID-19 testing clinics will require you to have a referral from a medical professional or to make a booking in advance.
- Many clinics will require you to wear a face mask when visiting and to notify staff that you require coronavirus testing on arrival.
- Testing will usually be free for Medicare cardholders, but always check first.
- Some pathology clinics will only conduct testing for low-risk patients and will refer higher-risk patients to hospitals.
Facilities update
Don’t get caught out on the road, know where facilities are OPEN. We have had a number of concerned members reporting that some roadhouses have closed their amenities.
In response, BP has launched its online store locator which features up-to-date site information, including available facilities such as showers and lounge access for truck drivers. Access to this information is on the BP website and it will be updated daily.
NHVR have also launched an online tool that maps service centres, truck stops and roadhouses that remain open for heavy vehicle drivers. Access this here now.
NSW update: Transport for NSW continues to support our road freight industry by ensuring our heavy vehicle rest stop facilities are available and operational. The NSW Government has also taken steps to ensure commercial facilities can still trade. Transport for NSW assures us that they continue to service our 600+ sites, all of which remain open.
The location of all rest stops operated by Transport for NSW can be found at online.
Websites
- Department of Health - Coronavirus alert
- Department of Health News
- Prime Minister’s Media Statements
- Fair Work Ombudsman - Australian workplace laws
- Safe Work Australia - COVID-19 Advice for Employers
- World health organization
- ACT Health
- NSW Government
- Northern Territory Government
- Queensland Government
- SA Health
- Tasmanian Health & Human Services
- Victoria Health and Human Services
- Western Australian Government
Natroad news articles
- 5 key things employers should know about JobKeeper
- Map makes finding a place to rest easier
- An update from our insurance partner NTI
- Scammers targeting superannuation in COVID-19 crisis
- Free legal advice to NatRoad members
- Protecting yourself from COVID-19
- Jobkeeper payments explained
- Office Staff New Award Flexibility
- Guiding employer responses to coronavirus
- 7 quick facts to understand the economic stimulus package
- National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) Temporary Business Rules & Standards Changes
- BP keeping you safe on your journey
- Truck delivery curfews dumped in a bid to help to restock supermarkets
- Keep the trucking industry delivering essential supplies by halting toll costs or suspending the fuel-based road user charges
- What you can and can’t say to staff during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Warning on COVID-19 scams
Smartphone apps
Stay up to date on the COVID-19 situation with the official Australian Government applications. Now available as a free download.