As part of MBV's re-opening engagement with the Victorian Government, we met again with the Treasurer today with a specific focus on home building. 

Our members in the meeting with the Treasurer clearly articulated the importance of the home building sector to Victoria and the impact that this shutdown has had on home building businesses, their tradespeople, suppliers, manufacturers and clients. 

Our members re-confirmed that they, and many more builders, have already been working hard to ensure they continue to comply with the CHO’s Directions upon reopening.  It was also highlighted that: 

1. On site activity is being, and will be, conducted exclusively by vaccinated workers.
2. Reinforcing existing COVIDSafe plans and ensuring, of all things, proper mask compliance.
3. Establishment of a workable COVID Marshal system

The Treasurer confirmed that a workable metro/regional protocol is currently in development to support supply integration across this boundary and the movement of trades. 

Our members in the meeting also requested transparency of the COVID-19 compliance and transmission data specifically emanating from Greenfields residential sites. The Treasurer agreed to share this data. 

The Treasurer also acknowledged that, given the time delay to re-book thousands of building and construction sites and trades, some form of advance notice for re-opening was necessary before 5 October.   

During our meeting today, it is evident that the Victorian Government is quickly progressing work on the re-opening plan and has indicated to MBV that they will provide as much advance notice as reasonably practicable. 

Whilst the Treasurer acknowledged that the home building and renovations sector is different to the commercial building sector, he also supported the importance of our industry working together. 

He pointed to the success that this has brought in keeping our industry both COVIDSafe and open over the past 18 months – especially when many other sectors have not been permitted to work. 

The outcome of the meeting with the Treasurer was very positive, with one member commenting afterwards: 

“I think, overall, the message from the Treasurer seemed more positive than I was expecting. It seems they’re preparing for an opening next week. I understand the CHO has the final sign-off, but I feel more positive than before the call.” 

So, whether you are a home builder or a commercial builder, small scale or large scale, tradesperson, supplier, specialist contractor or based in regional Victoria or metropolitan Melbourne – it is now vital that the finger pointing ceases within our industry.  By continuing to collaborate and stick together as one whole industry, we can re-open stronger than ever.