The state of Victoria has entered into the second week of the ‘State of Disaster’
restrictions implemented by the Victorian Government, where Regional Victoria is in Stage 3 and Metropolitan Melbourne is in Stage 4.

Caravan Industry Victoria (CIV) worked hard last week lobbying for the industry’s manufacturing members to stay open with an exemption.

Chief Executive Rob Lucas and the Association’s lobbyists ran many arguments fighting for business in the caravan and RV manufacturing industry to be exempt from the six (6) week shut down period.

Late Friday (7 August 2020) after another round of meetings and discussions, Caravan Industry Victoria received clarification from the Victorian Government that unfortunately the news was not positive and the application for exemption had been denied.

 

WHY THE CIV SOUGHT CLARIFICATION

When asked why the Association needed clarification, Rob Lucas CEO confirmed the following:

“Clarification as to whether members could open and trade was crucial to ensure members were operating under the permitted industry directions of the Victorian Government.

“The Association felt there were a number of grey areas when Premier Daniel Andrews initially announced the Permitted industry List on Monday 3rd August.

“With further amendments made during last week, we needed to be sure they could or could not operate.”

 

SUPPORTING A RESILIENT INDUSTRY

In challenging times, it is important Caravan Industry Victoria is representing its members to ensure their interests are being heard.

Unfortunately, on this occasion, the Victorian Government decided the Caravan and RV Manufacturing industry was not a permitted industry and it will need to remain closed for the duration of the six (6) weeks declared a State of Disaster.

“While we are working to keep everyone safe and COVID free we all need to be mindful of the long-term effects of the shutdown on members livelihoods which are at stake, the Association is very conscious of this and are offering significant support for all members,” said Rob.

“We will bounce back as an industry. We are very resilient, we just want to make sure customers of our members are patient through this difficult period.”