SAET Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

16 March 2020

As President of the South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET), I have a responsibility for the wellbeing of SAET staff, members and users of the Tribunal. I am particularly mindful of this responsibility given the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

While there have so far been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at SAET, it is important we prepare for that possibility and for other circumstances that might impact how SAET provides its services.

Our COVID-19 action planning is based on 3 key principles:

• minimise the risk to the wellbeing of staff, members, Tribunal users and the broader community;
• continue to operate business as usual for as long as circumstances permit; and
• be guided by Australian and State government protocols and the advice of health experts.

SAET is also aware of organisations that have already taken their own steps in response to events to minimise and prepare for the outbreak.

In accordance with our COVID-19 action planning principles, SAET encourages staff, members and Tribunal users to keep up-to-date with the latest medical advice and official reports available from the Department of Health (see www.health.gov.au) so that they can make informed decisions that best suit their own personal circumstances.

Effective Immediately

At the time of sending this correspondence, to limit the spread of coronavirus:

• SAET asks that any party or representative who meets the ‘who needs to isolate?’ criteria in the Department of Health’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) isolation guidance:
  • NOT ATTEND a SAET conference or hearing; and
  • contact SAET to make alternative arrangements.
• SAET encourages all parties and representatives to practise good hygiene to protect against infections. Good hygiene includes:
  • washing your hands often with soap and water;
  • using a tissue and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze;
  • avoiding close contact with others, such as touching.
• SAET encourages parties, where there is agreement, to seek orders and directions by email.
• By request, or at SAET’s initiative, conferences and hearings will be conducted by telephone.
• SAET will hold all face-to-face conferences and hearings in hearing or conference rooms to maintain social distancing.
• SAET will cease providing shared-use water jugs in hearing rooms.

Future Actions

Circumstances, government policy and advice regarding COVID-19 are rapidly changing. SAET will continue to monitor circumstances and take further action as required in order to contain the spread of the virus.

The Honourable Justice Steven Dolphin

President
South Australian Employment Tribunal