The Law Society of Tasmania has determined the following visitor access policy, which will also be displayed on signage at the front of its premises.

As from 15 December 2021

• All visitors to Society premises (Hobart, Launceston) must show upon entry, evidence of vaccination status*, unless you hold an exemption status**.Whilst you are not legally required to produce vaccination or other evidence, the Society may refuse entry to you if you do not produce your vaccination evidence.
• All visitors must also be masked before entry and for the duration of their visit, regardless of vaccination exemption status***.
• It is anticipated that our mask policy will remain in place at least until vaccinations have rolled out to our younger generations and the situation post borders reopening is clearer with respect to COVID-19 in the Tasmanian community.
• All visitors to the premises must check in using one of the following methods:
  • use the Check In Tas app on your smart phone and access the QR code as you enter the premises. The QR code is also located on posters in several visible locations within the premises; or
  • write your contact details on the sign-in sheet located at reception.The Check In Tas app is available for free download from the App Store or the Google Play Store. Information about the Check In Tas app can be found on the Tasmanian Government website here.
• Please do not enter the Society’s premises if you have COVID-19 like symptoms, such as a cold or the flu.
• To arrange a virtual meeting with Society staff or committees, please contact info@lst.org.au or telephone (03) 6234 4133.
• Visitors to the Society premises are also asked to adhere to physical distancing requirements and follow any other related instructions that are made available on the premises.

*Vaccination evidence to be produced on entry:

• an online immunisation history statement; or
• a COVID-19 digital certificate from the Australian Immunisation Register; or
• vaccination information displayed via your Check In Tas app (you can add your COVID-19 digital certificate by following the prompts of the app).

**Exemptions to providing vaccination evidence upon entry:

• Rapid entry visitors such as DX and other couriers (masks still required)
• Emergency services (masks still required).
• Persons under the age of 13 – evidence of name and address required, unless they hold a Check In Tas app and have checked in (masks still required)
• Medical exemptions (masks still required***) – please produce in advance of a scheduled visit (info@lst.org.au) or at the time of your visit:
  • a medical contraindication certificate, or
  • a medical clearance form.

***Mask exemptions for medical reasons:

• Please contact the Society at info@lst.org.au for further information in advance of your visit.

Law Society Staff – COVID-19

All Law Society of Tasmania staff are fully vaccinated. Staff assisting or engaging directly with visitors will also wear masks.

The Law Society of Tasmania Guide to Assist the Development of COVID-19 Vaccination Policies

COVID-19 vaccinations and your business (at business.gov.au) includes information on:

• How customers and employees can show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or medical exemption
• How to identify a fake vaccination certificate

COVID-19 – Update 31 – 14 December 2021

COVID-19 – Update 31 – 10 December 2021

COVID-19 – Update 30 – 9 December 2021 

Safe Workplaces Framework including resources to assist firms review and update their existing COVID-19 Safety Plan: COVID Safe Workplace Frameworks

No protocol or guideline has been put out by the Society at this stage. Firms/conveyancers are encouraged to communicate with each other prior to settlement; as well as ascertain the policy of the relevant settlement rooms if settlement will be conducted on off-site premises.

Case and Outbreak Management resources | Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

 

COVID-19 Official Australian Government information

Australian Government App – The Australian Government has released an official app with up-to-date information on the coronavirus. Search “Coronavirus Australia” in the Apple app store and on Google Play to download the app.

TCCI free business hotline for all Tasmanian businesses (members and non-members):

• 1300 559 112
• COVID-19 Business Resources

Helpline available – The Business Hotline 13 28 46 has been expanded to provide specialist advisers and extended hours to support small and medium businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can also send an email. The Hotline operates seven days per week and provides an additional two hours a day of support outside standard operating hours, answering calls from 7.00am to 11.00pm AEST

• Australian Government – Coronavirus information and support for business
• Tasmanian Government – COVID19 information for businesses
• Australian Taxation Office
• legalsuper

•  See all the latest updates and information from the Federal Court here.

• See the latest COVID-19 updates and information from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia here.
• 19 January 2021 – Special Measures Information Notice – COVID-19

• Supreme Court of Tasmania resources here.
• 19/1/2022 – Practice Direction 1 of 2022  Arrangements Relating to COVID-19
• Resources for criminal lawyers on COVID-19 matters – NSW Public Defenders Office webpage.
• 22 of 2021 – Circular to Practitioners – COVID19 – Further Measures – Entry to Court Buildings

• Magistrates Court of Tasmania resources here.
• Magistrates Court of Tasmania – Condition of Entry to Magistrate Court  – 5 January 2022

• Administrative Appeal Tribunal
• Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal