| With new announcements by both Queensland and Commonwealth Governments, QTIC is racing to seek clarity on a number of issues: |
The very welcomed JobKeeper payment is challenging for many operators who do not have the cash to make wage payments until the government refunds kick in in May. The advice in the media this morning from Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Michaelia Cash, that businesses should get an interest-free loan from their bank in the meantime, is not proving to be a viable option for many. We are seeking information from the Australian Banking Association. We are also preparing some practical accounting and HR advice for operators who are signing up to the JobKeeper payment.
There is still some confusion around the issue of accommodating international visitors, including backpackers and also people in camper vans. The basic message is categorically clear: Queensland residents cannot take a holiday. Non-resident visitors can be accommodated but have to adhere to all the relevant social distancing rules and other official health directives. So, accommodation providers cannot promote ‘self-isolation packages’ to Queenslanders. We are seeking clear information material from the Queensland Government for international visitors (preferable in multiple languages) and for accommodation providers who are still open for non-resident visitors.
