As stated in Monday’s newsletter, over the weekend, MBV members told us that they had concerns about the lack of access to childcare for operational and safety employees working from home and undertaking essential work to maintain the safe operations of worksites. 

Therefore, on our members behalf, our team worked to advocate for a change to this.  

We would like to make it clear that EVERYONE that works within the building and construction industry can access childcare, kindergarten, and early education centres (and take a child to a centre).

It doesn’t matter if you are carrying a hammer or a pen, or if you work on site or at home.

 

On Sunday night, we received the advice below from the Premier’s Private Office: 

Childcare, kindergarten, and early education centres are open only for the children of authorised workers if they cannot work from home or if no supervision is available at home, or for a vulnerable child. 

From 11:59pm on 23 August 2021, authorised workers can access childcare, kindergarten, and early education centres (and take a child to a centre) if: 

  • At least one parent/guardian is authorised to work and has a valid authorised worker permit, and is working either at home or on site, AND 
  • They cannot make alternative supervision arrangements. 

Worker permits or IDs issued by employers must be shown to childcare, kindergarten, and education centres. 

Parents and carers of vulnerable children can also access childcare, kindergarten, and early education centres. A permit is not required for this. 

In-home childcare is permitted for children of authorised workers or vulnerable children and a permit is not required for this. 

An authorised worker who is required to work shift work (e.g., overnight shift at a hospital) can send a child to childcare or an early childhood service outside their working hours so they can rest. 

Click here to access the authorised worker permit.