COVID-19 Exemption Policy

The time-limited COVID-19 PACER Eligibility Exemption Policy allows schools the flexibility to undertake digital programs in instances where face-to-face programs are not available. More information is provided below.

 

The PACER rebate will only be provided for the number of students which undertake face-to-face excursions in Canberra.

To receive the PACER rebate students must attend:

  1. one face-to-face education program at any Mandatory PACER Institution in Canberra and;
  2. two other programs at Mandatory Institutions either face-to-face or, where face-to-face programs are fully booked, through a digital program.

Where face-to-face programs at Mandatory PACER Institutions are fully booked, schools are able to participate in face-to-face programs at Alternative PACER Institutions. Schools will need to provide written evidence showing that face-to-face programs at Mandatory PACER Institutions are fully booked. Schools are welcome to participate in more than the mandatory three programs.

Schools participating in digital programs must do so within a timeframe that is three-weeks before or after the physical excursion to Canberra.

Read more about the PACER approved programs at Mandatory and Alternative PACER institutions (PDF). Please check the Institutions’ websites for up-to-date information regarding the availability of PACER programs.

Timeframe of Policy

This policy is effective from 28 July 2020 until 31 December 2021.

This policy will remain effective until all schools committed for travel up to and including 31 December 2021 have acquitted their travel. Adjustments to this policy may be made in light of easing or tightening of restrictions across Australia.

State and Territory requirements for interstate travel

State and territory governments have imposed a range of interstate travel restrictions that may affect the ability for school groups to cross a domestic border. These travel restrictions may include the closure of certain borders, advising against non-essential travel and/or the requirement for travellers to quarantine for 14 days on return to their home state or territory.

As the health situation continues to change, schools and tour operators are advised to consider the restrictions in place for their home state or territory and the public health directions of the Australian Capital Territory before booking and again before undertaking travel. Specific advice for each state and territory can be found at www.health.gov.au/news/state-quarantine-requirements-for-interstate-travel

Schools are also advised to consider the advice regarding interstate excursions provided by their relevant education authorities.

Schools travelling prior to border closures

Schools which have been approved for PACER, have travelled to Canberra prior to announcements of border closures and have had to cancel their trip mid-excursion will be eligible to receive PACER.

It is preferable that they demonstrate the number of students that travelled to Canberra via the visitation form. However, it is not necessary to have visitation stamps from all of the mandatory institutions in this exception.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact BUSY at Work at pacer@busyatwork.com.au or 1300 368 248.

 

COVID-19 Exemption Policy FAQs

1 – How many Mandatory Institutions do schools need to book under the COVID-19 Policy?
Schools are required to book three programs at Mandatory Institutions. At least one of these programs must be a face-to-face program. The remaining programs can be undertaken through face-to-face or, where face-to-face programs are fully booked, digital programs. Schools participating in digital programs must do so within a timeframe of three-weeks before or after the physical excursion to Canberra. Rebates will only be paid for students who travel to Canberra to participate in face-to-face programs.

2 – What if schools cannot make bookings for at least one face-to-face program at a Mandatory Institution?

Schools will need to provide written evidence that face-to-face programs at all four Mandatory Institutions are fully booked. As rebates are paid only for students who travel to Canberra, schools will need to book at least one face-to-face program at an Alternative Institution. Schools will also need to participate in two other programs either through digital programs at Mandatory Institutions or face-to-face programs at Alternative Institutions. Digital programs must be undertaken within a three-week timeframe before or after the physical excursion.

3 – What are the options if schools cannot make bookings for face-to-face and/or digital programs in at least three of the Mandatory Institutions within the three-week timeframe of the physical excursion to Canberra?

Schools will need to provide written evidence that face-to-face and digital programs at Mandatory PACER institutions are fully booked within the three-week timeframe before or after the physical excursion to Canberra. Schools will then need to book at least three programs at Alternative Institutions, either face-to-face or digital, noting rebates will only be paid for students who travel to Canberra to participate in face-to-face programs. Participation in digital programs at Alternative Institutions will need to be undertaken within a three-week window either side of the visit to Canberra.

4 – Is my school able to apply for an exemption?

If you believe you are eligible for an exemption to the eligibility requirements, contact BUSY at Work in the first instance and provide written evidence as to why you should receive an exemption to the eligibility requirements. Exemptions will be referred to the Department of Education and are managed case by case.


This policy remains unchanged from the standard exemptions process, which is provided on the PACER website FAQs.

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