Jim’s Mowing boss urges his mowers to break COVID ban
One of the country’s most recognisable names in home services is taking on Victoria’s premier over Stage 4 lockdown restrictions.
Daniel Andrews made an announcement on Monday, that under the newly implemented State of Disaster, many services will not be permitted to operate from Wednesday.
Speaking to the media, Andrews said: “There will be no cleaners, there will be no mowing your lawns.
But founder of Jim’s Group, Jim Penman, has urged franchisees to continue working.
He claims the government’s own guidelines say building and grounds maintenance workers are permitted to operate when required.
“I’ve had legal advice where there is clear written approval that trumps a verbal statement from a government Minister,” said Mr Penman.
“Despite what the Premier says, the written guidelines (from the Department of Health and Human Services) are clear we can operate.
“We do a lot of work for the NDIS, elderly people, gutter cleaning, picking up branches and leaves off paths which can be a significant health hazard. If they do it safely, it’s legal for them to work.”
Under the new restrictions, Victorians who are caught breaking the law will be hit with a $4,957 fine.
Penman says if franchisees are fined he will pay it - and challenge it with the state government.
In a letter to his franchisees he wrote: “I urge you to continue working and will take personal responsibility for any problems that arise. In the very unlikely event that fines are imposed, Jim’s Group will challenge and (if necessary) pay them.”
The Franchise Council of Australia says Penman is taking it too far.
“Encouraging people to break the rules is absolutely irresponsible,” a Franchise Council spokesperson said.
Andrews said the decision to enter a State of Disaster was not made lightly.
“As heartbreaking as it is to close places of employment, that is what we have to do,” Andrews said.
“Throughout all of this, we’ve tried to be as logical as possible to understand intricate and detailed supply chains and be aware of all the consequences of each decision we make.
“All of this will be challenging and very difficult but it is what is necessary.”