Message from the CEO: Stage 4 Update

Dear members,

Further to our advice to you on Tuesday regarding the application of Victoria’s Stage 4 COVID-19 pandemic restrictions to the construction sector, I am pleased to provide you with an important update on how these apply to architects.

Following the Institute’s swift engagement with the Victorian Government, clarification has now been provided confirming that architects can continue to access sites for permitted construction.

The Victorian Government has recently issued further advice on ‘Permitted work premises for the purposes of the restricted activity directions’.

This includes specific permission for:

“Architecture, surveying, building inspection and engineering services, where required on site for permitted construction”.

This is an important modification to the original announcement that will enable architects to continue to discharge their duties, including by ensuring safe and high quality construction outcomes. I thank our Victorian Chapter leaders for their timely and successful advocacy on this issue in support of our members.

Architects who do need to travel to construction sites that fall within the definition of ‘permitted construction’ will need to carry a permit to do so and we urge you to consult the DHHS website for further information and to ensure you are complying with requirements.

We are continuing to seek clarity on multiple site access and pilot light practice operations, and we’re in contact with MBAV, Engineers Australia, AILA and PIA.
 
The Victorian Government has also indicated that it expects to issue revised Construction Industry Guidelines later today that provide additional detail on COVID-19 safety requirements relating to construction site visits. We understand that this may include a requirement to wear full personal protective equipment (PPE), however we will provide you with a further update with full details once these have been confirmed.
 
Kind regards,

Julia Cambage
CEO

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The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.

We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.

We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.

Read our Statement of Support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and Constitutional Recognition and the Voice to Parliament.

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