AEPMA eNewsletter April 2020

Welcome

Welcome to the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association April 2020 edition. Please read on below for more details below or visit our website for online version.

AEPMA National Office - Updates Covid19 –

Is pest control an “essential service”

Dear Members,

I thank you for all your emails and calls this week regarding Covid-19 and how it impacts our pest control industry. As you may be aware AEPMA has made representation to State, Territory and Federal Jurisdictions to allow pest control to continue as an essential service.

However, to date we have not received clarification on this matter, as there is currently no formal process for awarding essential status. At this point in time, all state and territory governments have emphasised to AEPMA the fact that there is no restriction on pest control operations in Australia. We will keep members apprised of any changes or updates as they arise.

In the meantime, please find attached, a letter outlining the economic stimulus package and employment protection measures that were announced on the 30th March, along with a link to the list of prohibited and restricted business activities.

AEPMA remains open for business and should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Executive Director Stephen Ware on 0418 976 643.

Yours Sincerely

Vasili Tsoutouras
President

AEPMA Conference - "Pesticon 2020" – Conference Postponed

As you will be aware, there is great uncertainty and much anxiety regarding the spread of Covid-19. It is causing major disruptions in Australia and around the world - naturally, our Industry will not be immune to the impact as this virus continues to spread.

As a result, the AEPMA Board of Directors reluctantly made the decision to postpone the scheduled 2020 conference until next year (22nd-24th September 2021) at The Star Gold Coast.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Rapid Solutions for their support in rescheduling this event.

If you have any questions please contact us via email at info@aepma.com.au In the meantime, we hope that you all stay safe and healthy and look forward to seeing you at Pesticon 2021.

AEPMA Membership – Save Time, Renew Online

You still have time to renew your membership!

For new AEPMA members please call the AEPMA National Office on 1300 307 114 to speak with one of our friendly staff or email info@aepma.com.au.

If you are a current member, you don’t have to wait for your renewal notice. Renew online for a faster and more convenient way to renew and update your AEPMA membership. Simply follow the steps below or contact our National Office for assistance.

SAVE TIME – RENEW ONLINE!

Go to www.aepma.com.au
Click on Industry Portal
Log in with your username and password
Click on “Manage My Account”, then go to “Memberships”, click on “Renew/Upgrade” button
Fill in the online payment form
Your membership will automatically be updated
IMPORTANT – Check your profile details and amend if necessary.

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Victoria Branch AGM

Victoria AEPMA members – Notice is hereby given Annual General Meeting of the Victoria Branch of the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association is to be held via teleconference on Wednesday 22nd April 2020 at 4pm AEST.

For further information, proxy form and dial-in details (for members only) visit the AEPMA website

NSW ACT Branch AGM

New South Wales AEPMA members – Notice is hereby given Annual General Meeting of the New South Wales Branch of the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association is to be held via teleconference on Monday 18th May 2020 4pm AEST.

For further information, proxy form and dial-in details (for members only) visit the AEPMA website

QLD Branch AGM
Queensland AEPMA members – Notice is hereby given Annual General Meeting of the Queensland Branch of the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association is to be held via teleconference on Thursday 21st May at 9am Brisbane time.

For further information, proxy form and dial-in details (for members only) visit the AEPMA website

JobKeeper Payment Explained

The Federal Government has announced (as part of its Coronavirus Stimulus Package) the introduction of a new JobKeeper Payment to assist eligible employers (and self-employed individuals) who have been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic to continue to pay their workers.

The following is a broad summary of the key aspects of the proposed JobKeeper Payment, based on the Government’s Joint Media Release dated 30 March 2020 and the information that is currently available on the Treasury website at www.treasury.gov.au. The Government intends to introduce legislation into Parliament to give effect to the JobKeeper Payment measure.

The Government also announced that the partner income test will be relaxed to ensure that an eligible person can receive JobSeeker Payment (and the associated Coronavirus supplement) where their partner earns less than $3,068 per fortnight (around $79,762 per annum).

Click here to read full article

Industrial Relations update

FirstIR update -Options in Response to Pandemic

Varying an Enterprise Agreement

The NSW government has announced it intends to leave the social distancing rules in place now for at least three months until June 30th. That means for many companies, it will be impossible to operate normally and comply. Other jurisdictions are likely to be in the same boat sooner or later. Normal business is going to be difficult to sustain for those that have not already ceased operations. For those that are operating now, but concerned that time is against them, there are measures that may be taken to alleviate some pressures.

Some employers have enterprise agreements which pre-scribe terms and conditions that won’t be sustainable in the short to medium term given the dramatic drop in trade and commerce that has occurred and looks likely to get worse. If there were some relief from those conditions, the business may be able to sustain the downturn without resorting to stand downs or redundancies, or at least keeping those to a minimum. There is a mechanism to reduce terms and conditions in agreements, by agreement with employees, that if introduced, could save businesses and jobs.

Click here to read full article

Update from Rapid Solutions

In uncertain and unprecedented times such as these, it is more important than ever that our industries and communities stand together. This is our best chance of stopping the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and soften the economic impact of lock downs and prohibitions to life as we know it.

Rapid Solutions’ commitment to its stakeholders remains unwavering. The health and wellbeing of our employees has of course been paramount, as has supporting our clients and industry partners in whatever ways we can.

Click here to read full article

Pulling Together in an Uncertain World. COVID-19 – Sundew Solutions

As an industry, during these uncertain times we should all be pulling together to help each other. Aussies have had it all in the past 6 months - drought, fires, floods and now a pandemic. The only thing certain is uncertainty.

One weakness that COVID-19 has brought to everyone’s attention is the reliance we have on China and overseas suppliers. It’s now more than ever that we each need to do our part to support local Aussie businesses to keep the wheels spinning.

Click here to read full article

Mental Health

Leading into the “Quiet time” whilst we all feel the relief of work backing off, it can also encourage other pressures that affect our Mental Health, with one in five Australians each year will experience a mental illness. This has been noticed as a major issue in the pest control industry and AEPMA wants you to know you are not alone.

Click here to read full article

Pests set to flourish during the Coronavirus outbreak

Pest control is already on the front line of public health around the world; given the situation we now find ourselves in it could prove even more essential. The closure of schools, pubs, restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions and other public places to enforce social distancing will have unintended consequences.

Animals are always quick to adapt and, as a result, we anticipate that many pest species will flourish as a direct result of these necessary global measures.

Click here to read full article

Coronavirus restrictions imposed on gun shops in QLD and WA spark outrade in rural industries

Pest controllers and farmers are among those calling for the Queensland Government to scrap a controversial regulation banning firearms dealers from opening due to coronavirus.