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ADVOCACY
MTA PETITIONS PREMIER TO ADOPT NATIONAL FRAMEWORK The MTA has called on the State Government to come into line with the national framework for dealing with “close contacts” of people who contract COVID-19. In a letter to Premier Steven Marshall, MTA CEO Paul Unerkov also urged the Government to add the automotive sector to the list of essential services. “During November 2020 and July 2021 lockdowns, much of the automotive industry was recognised in formal directions as an essential service due to the critical importance of vehicle repair industry and its supply chain to maintaining the mobility of South Australians,” he said in the letter. “MTA members as employers have a strong commitment to the health and safety of their employees, having responsibly operated during these lockdown periods, as well as complying with ongoing public safety measures in place such as the use of masks in indoor public spaces, social distancing and the use of the COVID-SAfe Check-In system. “In a recent survey, 94.7% of South Australian MTA members told us that they would like their employees who are close contacts to be able to safely return to work, provided they comply with conditions such as a
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“In a letter to Premier Steven Marshall, MTA CEO Paul Unerkov also urged the Government to add the automotive sector to the list of essential services.” PCR test undertaken, negative rapid antigen tests and full vaccination status, in line with other industry sectors in South Australia. “South Australia has also diverged from the definition of a close contact agreed to by National Cabinet. The conflicting arrangements and poor communication are not only causing confusion for the automotive industry they are restricting industry’s ability to trade in an already challenging environment. “Our members are regularly advising us that employees having to isolate as close contacts is having a significant
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