QR Codes – does my business need one?

COVID-19 contact tracing requirements mean that some businesses and venues are required to have QR code check-in processes in place for people who enter their premises. Each state and territory has its own requirements for the types of businesses and venues that must use the designated QR code system.

Businesses that are not required to implement a QR code are being strongly encouraged to do so, as it will assist the relevant state health department in their contact tracing efforts.

In addition to implementing a QR code, it is strongly recommended that employers keep their own records for contact tracing purposes (such as ensuring timesheets and visitor logbooks are accurately completed and maintained). In the event a confirmed case attends the workplace, the employer will not be able to access the data from the QR code system. Use the drop down menu below to view each states different requirements:

• New South Whales

  From Monday 12 July 2021, the use of the Service NSW QR Code to check-in will be mandatory at these premises. All people who attend the premises will be required to check in.

  Visit these useful links below to find out more:

  https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/service-nsw-mobile-app https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/covid-check-mandate-expanded https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe/customer-record-keeping/mandatory-electronic-check-in

• Queensland

  A restricted business that is listed in Schedule 1 of the Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction (No 21) must make all reasonable efforts to electronically collect contact information of each person who attends the premises by using the Check In Qld app.

  The Check In Qld app requirements apply to most businesses or parts of businesses that are open to the public. This means that a business with a retail shop or trade centre attached to their warehouse/factory is required to ensure that customers check-in when they attend that part of the business.

  Visit these useful links below to find out more:

  https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/check-in-qld

  https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/check-in-qld#_business

  https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/legislation/cho-public-health-directions-under-expanded-public-health-act-powers/business-activity-undertaking-direction

• Victoria

  It is mandatory for all workplaces in Victoria to use the Service Victoria QR Code app for record keeping, ensuring all workers and visitors check in. Workplaces must help visitors without a phone or who are unable to check in to record their details electronically by using a Kiosk check-in function.

  All workplaces must use the Service Victoria QR code app regardless of the duration of the visit.

  Visit this useful link below to find out more:

  https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checking-in-qr-codes

• South Australia

  All defined public activities and general retail industry premises must have a completed COVID Safe Plan and approved contact tracing system enabled. All people entering the place must upload their contact details to the contact tracing system. system enabled. All people entering the place must upload their contact details to the contact tracing system.

  Visit the useful link below to find out more:
  

  https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/restrictions-and-responsibilities/covid-safe-check-in

• Western Australia

  It is mandatory for particular businesses and venues to maintain a contact register by collecting contact details of patrons attending their premises, including customers, staff, contractors and visitors.

  The use of the app is not mandatory, but it is encouraged.

  A list of businesses that are required to maintain contact registers for WA Health Department COVID-19 contact tracing, if needed is available at this link.

  Visit the useful link below to find out more:

  https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/covid-communications/covid-19-coronavirus-safewa

• Tasmania

  It is mandatory for some Tasmanian businesses, events and organisations to use the Check in Tas app to collect contact information about everyone who spends time at their premises.

  The list of businesses that are required to comply with the direction to use Check-in TAS is available here.

  Visit the useful link below to find out more:

  https://www.business.tas.gov.au/coronavirus_information/check_in_tas_app

• Northern Territory

  Businesses listed on this webpage are required to use The Territory Check In QR Code system. Staff are not required to check-in at their place of work. Staff are not required to check-in at their place of work.

  Visit the useful link below to find out more:

  https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/stay-safe/check-in-app

• Australian Capital Territory

  The Check in CBR app is mandatory for certain businesses and venues. All people who attend the premises, including staff are required to check in.

  Visit the useful link below to find out more:

  https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/business-and-work/check-in-cbr/information-for-businesses#Businesses-and-venues-that-must-use-the-app

Further advice or assistance

For further advice or assistance on this topic, or any workplace relations matter, Employment Plus clients who have placed two or more candidates have free access to the Ai Group Workplace Advice Line.

Call 1300 862 217 8.30am – 5.15pm AEST Mon-Fri