FOLLOWING Monday’s closure of gyms, thousands of Australians have turned to online personal training, live streaming of classes and fitness videos to ensure they can continue to exercise in the safety of their own home during COVID-19.

However, following reports police had threatened one operator with a $5,000 fine for privately using their facility for the purpose of digital content only, Fitness Australia is calling on authorities to apply common sense in allowing personal trainers and gym operators to safely use facilities to film online workouts.

“Gyms and personal trainers need to be allowed to safely create digital content for the benefit of their members and the broader community. Exercise is critical for our immune function and physical and mental wellbeing” Fitness Australia CEO Barrie Elvish said.

Mr Elvish said gyms who were using facilities to film online content are complying with all indoor social distancing guidelines as advised by the government and the Chief Medical Officer.

“Personal trainers are using gym facilities to film safe and appropriate home exercise programs to allow people to continue their training and fitness routine while in isolation.

“The gyms or facilities that are being used for filming this content are not open to the public, or members, under any circumstances.”

Mr Elvish said people are looking for ways to keep active in isolation and digital workouts were the ideal way for people to keep in touch with their personal trainer or participate in a virtual group class.

“People are calling out for online exercise programs that are suitable to do at home. Enabling personal trainers and gyms to film regular content is vital in keeping members engaged and motivated to continue their daily exercise routine.”

With safety as the number one priority, Fitness Australia continues to follow the directives and guidelines set out by the state and federal governments and the Chief Medical Officer.

“We are continuing to communicate with our members to ensure they are up to date with the latest government guidelines, including social distancing requirements, when it comes to fitness and exercise,” Mr Elvish said

“Together with all our members, Fitness Australia continues to have the health and wellbeing of all Australians as our top priority. 

“However, like many businesses facing the impacts of COVID-19, our members are having to adapt and develop new initiatives to ensure they can remain viable and continue to support their clients during these tough times.”

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THE Maritime Union of Australia has written to major businesses in Australia’s maritime supply chain seeking the urgent implementation of a consistent, industry-wide framework aimed at preventing viral transmission on worksites.

The union’s proposed framework has been drawn together based on current health advice, along with industry developments internationally, with the aim of ensuring best-practice measures are in place to protect the health and safety of maritime workers.

With approximately 98 percent of Australian imports arriving by sea, including essential medical supplies, food, fuel, and other household items, preventing the spread of this disease is vital to ensuring supply chains remain operational and freight continues to flow safely.

MUA national secretary and International Transport Workers’ Federation President Paddy Crumlin said he was surprised and concerned that some Australian businesses, particularly stevedores, had been reluctant to meet and discuss the current situation.

“While workers are acutely aware of the significant role they play in Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some stevedores had taken an unfortunate and unsustainable approach, going it alone rather than embracing a consistent industry-wide solution,” Mr Crumlin said.

“In other areas, such as intermodal and logistics, there has been a much more mature approach.

“That is why we are seeking to urgently meet with key businesses, in particular stevedores, to implement a clear, concise, consistent framework that addresses the identifiable health and safety risks this pandemic poses and acts on the advice of the chief medical officer.

“The scale of this crisis places a collective responsibility on our vital industry to show leadership, find consensus, and implement immediate solutions that protect lives and prevent potential disruptions to our national supply chain.

“Thousands of maritime workers — including tug crews towing ships, linesmen tying them up, and wharfies loading and unloading them — are on the front line ensuring the current health and economic crisis isn’t exacerbated by the breakdown of supply chains.

“While our members remain committed to ensuring freight continues to move smoothly during this pandemic, this can only be achieved if the industry embraces appropriate measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on worksites.

“Not only could it be potentially catastrophic for workers who catch this virus, but any illness will cause substantial disruptions as highly-skilled workers are lost from their vital roles.

“We are urging all maritime employers to work with us to implement these protocols to minimise the risk of infection to workers or the general public.”

A copy of the COVID-19 Maritime Industry Framework is available here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1GQeiXB9wpfrN46z-dqwwtdF4-1WM_nDP

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WITH THE RELEASE of the Statement of Expectations today by the Australian Energy Regulator, Energy Networks Australia CEO Andrew Dillon said networks were working to assist customers.

"Networks continue to discuss with governments, regulators and retailers about the best ways to support customers through this difficult period,” Mr Dillon said.

"These are unprecedented times for small business, with many around the country being forced to close their doors.

"It is in the best interests of the country that these businesses be supported through what will be a difficult journey.

"Energy networks understand many households are also facing challenging circumstances.

"With many customers now working from home, networks are doing what they can to minimise the impact of planned outages for critical work and to keep them as short as possible," Mr Dillon said.

"Safely keeping the lights on and the gas flowing for the months to come is critically important and networks are continuing to undertake critical works to keep energy supplies safe and reliable.”

Energy Networks Australia is the national industry body representing Australia's electricity transmission and distribution and gas distribution networks. Members provide more than 16 million electricity and gas connections to almost every home and business across Australia. 

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Migration has decided to suspend its inquiry into migration in regional Australia, in light of the economic effects of the public health situation changing the nature of the needs of communities in regional Australia.

“Given the fast evolving situation in Australia and around the world, and the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Committee felt it best to suspend its inquiry,” committee chair Julian Leeser MP said. “The committee was unanimous in this decision, which it does not take lightly.

“The committee will reconsider the matter later in 2020 but would like to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to the inquiry so far. Your input and dedication to supporting and developing Australia’s regions is greatly appreciated.”

Any questions about the suspension of the inquiry should be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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