UPDATED 18 OCTOBER, 2021
Can tradies work under the latest COVID-19 restrictions?
Under WHS law, every Australian employer or business is required to manage the risk of COVID-19 to workers and others in their work environment. Most tradies can continue working while managing the risks, but restrictions and advice may differ between states. Make sure you’re aware of the differences in your local state, as well as any other states you may be visiting.
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Western Australia
- Northern Territory
- Tasmania
- Australian Capital Territory
Use the COVID-19 Restriction Checker to find advice on specific activities and locations within your state. If you or your business needs financial assistance due to COVID-19, check if you're eligible for support.
New South Wales
Tradies are able to work. Visit the NSW Government website for the most up-to-date information on what you can and can't do. If you are attending a job in someone’s home, check whether anyone inside the home has COVID-19 symptoms or is in isolation. Where practical, ensure workers maintain 1.5m physical distancing and wear face masks where appropriate.
Travel restrictions may apply when travelling to or from certain locations of interest — read more about travel to and from NSW.
Government support for those affected by COVID-19 in NSW
The New South Wales Government is providing financial support and tax relief to help businesses across the state impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Find out if you're eligible.
Useful links for NSW
- General COVID-19 information
- COVID-19 Safety Plan for businesses
- Common questions about NSW restrictions
Victoria
Tradies can work, but only authorised tradies can work in restricted areas. The Victorian government has implemented COVID-19 restrictions to try and prevent further spread. Visit the Victoria Government website for the most up-to-date information on what you can and can't do while working. Before attending a job in someone’s home, ensure any residents are symptom-free, maintain physical distancing (1.5m), wear a mask, and practice good hygiene.
Victoria has implemented a travel permit system for those wishing to enter the state. Restrictions in other states may apply, read more about travel to and from VIC.
Government support for those affected by COVID-19 in Victoria
The VIC Government is providing financial support to help businesses across the state impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Find out if you're eligible.
Useful links for VIC
Queensland
Tradies in Queensland can still operate, so long as they align with the COVID Safe Framework. People must adhere to the restrictions roadmap. As always, follow the public health directions when carrying out jobs.
Travel restrictions to and from other states may apply, read more about travel to and from QLD.
Government support for those affected by COVID-19 in QLD
The Queensland Government is providing financial support and other relief to help businesses across the state impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Find out if you're eligible.
Useful links for QLD
- General COVID-19 information
- Roadmap to easing restrictions
- Protecting yourself and others from COVID-19
South Australia
Tradies in South Australia are able to work as long as the employer has measures in place to protect the health of their employees. COVID-Safe recommendations include physical distancing, hygiene, cleaning, and supporting staff to stay home if sick. Check SA business restrictions for more information.
All incoming travellers to South Australia must complete a Cross Border Travel Registration. Restrictions in other states may apply, read more about travel to and from SA.
Government support for those affected by COVID-19 in SA
The South Australian Government is providing financial support to help businesses across the state impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Find out if you're eligible.
Useful links for SA
Western Australia
Tradies can work but make sure to visit the WA Government website for the most up-to-date information on what you can and can't do. WA businesses must ensure their COVID Safety Plans are updated and continue to be followed.
The Western Australian occupational safety and health laws require employers to provide and maintain a safe and healthy work environment. This includes implementing appropriate measures to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission, and providing adequate facilities and equipment for employees to carry out their work safely.
Western Australia has a controlled border arrangement. Restrictions in other states may also apply, read more about travel to and from WA.
Government support for those affected by COVID-19 in WA
The Western Australian Government is providing financial relief to help businesses across the state impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Find out if you're eligible.
Useful links for WA
Northern Territory
Tradies can work, but all NT businesses must lodge a COVID-19 Safety Plan and update it to meet the requirements on the new CHO direction. Businesses must also appoint a COVID Safety Supervisor to implement their COVID-19 Safety Plan.
There are strict border controls in place for all arrivals to the NT, including returning Territorians. Restrictions in other states may also apply, read more about travel to and from NT.
Government support for those affected by COVID-19 in NT
The Nothern Territory Government is providing financial incentives and grants to help businesses across the state impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Find out if you're eligible.
Useful links for NT
Tasmania
All Tasmanian trade businesses may operate but must meet minimum COVID-19 safety standards and record this in a COVID-19 Safety plan as part of the COVID-19 Safe Workplaces Framework. WorkSafe Tasmania has developed templates to help small and medium businesses prepare their plans.
Tasmania’s border restrictions depend on where each traveller has been prior to entering Tasmania. All travellers must provide contact and travel details. Restrictions in other states may also apply, read more about travel to and from TAS.
Government support for those affected by COVID-19 in TAS
Tasmania is providing support and economic stimulus to help businesses affected by COVID-19. Find out if you're eligible.
Useful links for TAS
Australian Capital Territory
Trade businesses in the ACT are able to operate but are obligated under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 to provide a safe workplace for employees. More information on current restrictions can be found here.
The Australian Capital Territory is open to every state and territory, within certain restrictions. Restrictions in other states may also apply, read more about travel to and from ACT.
Government support for those affected by COVID-19 in ACT
The ACT Government has provided financial relief for businesses across the state impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Find out if you're eligible.
Useful links for ACT
COVID-19 restrictions and advice can change quickly. Stay up to date with the latest information by checking health.gov.au.
