Public events

The revised framework outlines what the different tiers of events are, what the process is to register or get your event formally approved, and what you need to do as an event organiser. It includes attendee limits, density requirements and other conditions that you need to meet, as well as the documents you need to complete.

As an event organiser, you need to be familiar with the framework and make sure your event meets its requirements. 

Download the COVID-19 Public Events Framework: 

Public Events Framework 3.0 updated 26 May

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Learn more about the Rules for organising public events in Victoria.

A self-assessment tool has been developed to help you to determine:

• what tier your event is
• COVIDSafe event documents and approvals you need

To complete your self-assessment, you need to answer a series of questions about your event, including the numbers of expected attendees, density limits and other potential risk factors.

This will determine what tier your event is and let you know the next steps to register your event.

COVIDSafe event plan – All Tier 1 and 2 events

All Tier 1 and Tier 2 events need a COVIDSafe event plan. 

To create your COVIDSafe Event Plan:

• download the COVIDSafe Event Plan template (linked below)
• review the list of information you need to include (listed at the bottom of this page).

You should use the template to make sure you include the right information for public health review. Submitting an incomplete COVIDSafe Event Plan could delay approval for your event. 

For Tier 1 events (more than 7,500 attendees), your COVIDSafe Event Plan must be approved before the event can go ahead.

For Tier 2 events (between 1,001 and 7,500 attendees) that comply with the settings set out in the Framework, your COVIDSafe Event Plan must be registered with the Victorian Government before the event date but do not need approval.

For Tier 2 events that do not comply with the Framework’s settings, your COVIDSafe Event Plan must also be approved before the event can go ahead. This includes events where, for example, you would like to have more attendees than the 75% capacity limit or the density quotient allowed.

For more information about the different types of Tier 2 events visit changes to tiers.

COVIDSafe Event plans for all approved and registered Tier 1 and Tier 2 events must be published on your website or social media channels. Sensitive information contained in your COVIDSafe Event Plan can be removed prior to publishing online.

COVIDSafe Event Plan Template

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COVIDSafe public event attestation – Tier 2 events

For Tier 2 events that do not need formal approval from the Victorian Government, event organisers need to confirm that they will meet certain public health measures, for example the number of COVID Marshals and record keeping.

Previously the COVIDSafe Public Event Attestation form was used for this purpose. To make it easier for event organisers, this information can now be provided in the Tier 2 event registration form.

COVIDSafe event checklist – Tier 3 events

The COVIDSafe Event Checklist informs Tier 3 event organisers what controls they should put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. You can now complete and submit the checklist using the event registration form.

All public event organisers must register their events with the Victorian Government to ensure COVID-19 safety for attendees, staff and organisers.

To complete the registration form visit register your public event:

• Tier 1 events must submit a COVIDSafe Event Plan and register their event eight to 10 weeks prior to the key decision date required by the event organiser.
• Tier 2 events that require Victorian Government approval must submit a COVIDSafe Event Plan and register their event four to six weeks prior to the key decision date required by the event organiser.
• Tier 2 events that do not need approval must register their event, submit their COVIDSafe Event Plan and confirm the event complies with the Framework’s settings, at least three weeks prior to their event.
• Tier 3 events must submit the COVIDSafe Event Checklist at least one week before the start of the event.

Depending on the tier of your event, you need to register it with the Victorian Government or go through a formal approval process. Each Tier has a separate timeline for approval.

Formal approval process

Events that require formal approval will have their COVIDSafe Event Plans reviewed by the Department of Health (DH). DH will provide advice on the risk profile and risk mitigation measures to make sure these events are COVIDSafe.

The Department of Jobs Precincts and Regions will work with event organisers to ensure the right documents have been sent through to help with the assessment.

The Public Health Advisory Panel will review your plan.

You'll be contacted with the details of the decision.

Timelines for approval

Tier 1 events

Events with more than 7,500 attendees require a full public health review and formal approval. Event organisers must:

• complete and submit a COVIDSafe Event Plan (see step 3 for the template)
• register the event via the Event registration form.

The above documentation and registration must be submitted eight to ten weeks before the event organiser’s key decision date (not the event date, the date an approval is needed by such as date tickets go on sale or contracts need to be signed). Please note that if a plan is lodged late, it may not be approved in time for your event to go ahead.

Tier 2 events

Events with between 1,001 and 7,500 are classified as Tier 2.

If the Tier 2 event can operate under the settings of the Framework, that is all the event elements are in line with the current Framework settings, event organisers must:

• complete and submit a COVIDSafe Event Plan (see step 3 for the template)
• complete a COVIDSafe Public Event Attestation (incorporated into the Event Registration form)
• register the event via the Event Registration form.

The above documentation and registration must be submitted three to four weeks prior to the event.

Tier 2 events – COVIDSafe Event Plan approval required

Tier 2 events that are not covered by the Framework, that is their event elements are above the current restrictions (for example attendees that are more than the 75% capacity limit or density quotient) will need their COVIDSafe Event Plan assessed and approved before the event can proceed. This requires a public health review and formal approval.

To process an exemption from the Public Events Framework, event organisers must:

• complete and submit a COVIDSafe Event Plan (see step 3 for the template)
• register the event via the Event Registration form

The above documentation and registration must be submitted four to six weeks before the event organisers key decision date (not the event date, the date an approval is needed by such as date tickets go on sale or contracts need to be signed)

Please note that if a plan is lodged late, it may not be approved in time for your event to go ahead.

Tier 3 events and COVIDSafe Settings

If an event is 1,000 people or less and can comply with the current COVIDSafe Settings with an existing venue or business COVIDSafe Plan, it does not need to be registered, although it is recommended.

If your organisation does not have a COVIDSafe Plan that can be used for your event, you will need to fill out and submit a COVIDSafe Event Checklist. Your event will still need to comply with the Victoria’s COVIDSafe Settings.

Tier 3 events that have elements that are in addition to the COVIDSafe Settings

If your event cannot comply with Public Events Framework settings, you must complete a COVIDSafe Event Plan for public health review and formal approval at least four to six weeks before the key decision date (the date from which organisers wish to put tickets on sale). This will only apply to a small number of events.

To register your event, visit the event registration page. While events with fewer than 1,000 attendees do not need to be registered, it is highly recommended so that the State Government can assist event organisers in the event of an outbreak, and provide updates in travel restrictions, hotspots and changes in other states that might impact events.