COVID-19 Update 27/03/2020

New Announcement: The latest Commonwealth Government measures were announced this afternoon by the Prime Minister. It includes some new provisions for all international arrivals, including Australians returning,  who will have to be quarantined in (hotel) accommodation rather than home. State and Territory governments are working with regional tourism organisations to source accommodation.
Information for hotels and hotel staff

Below are the links to the most relevant information for business and income support, both Commonwealth and State.

For all our irrepressible, innovative and resilient operators (that would be our entire industry), this is for you:
https://www.unwto.org/calling-on-innovators-and-entrepreneurs-to-accelerate-tourism-recovery

We are sure Queenslanders can stand out and demonstrate our leadership!


Support for individuals:

Eligibility for Jobseeker Payments and Youth Allowance for job seekers is being expanded for: 

  • Permanent employees who have been stood down or have lost their job

  • A sole trader, self-employed, casual or contract worker whose income has decreased


Cash Flow
Support for immediate cash flow needs for SMEs – under the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme, the Australian Government will provide a guarantee of 50% to support short-term loans. 


Supporting Staff
Casual employees – The Australian Government is making support payments quicker to access by waiving the usual waiting period periods for casual employees.    

Jobs support loans – This scheme is for Queensland businesses and non-profit organisations financially affected by COVID-19. Eligible business types include sole traders, partnerships, private and public companies and trusts.

Fair Work Australia –workplace obligations and entitlements Help and advice for employers and employees with entitlements during this time.  


Tax, bill and rent relief
SME power bill relief - Small and medium businesses may be eligible for $500 rebate off their energy bill.
Payroll tax relief package - payroll tax relief measures from Queensland Government including refunds of payroll tax and payroll tax holiday and deferrals. 

Sole Traders
Additional Information for Sole Traders - Increased instant asset write off and accelerated depreciation measures for sole traders, as well as increased and accelerated income support payments for sole traders and employees


Tourism business support
Relief for Queensland tourism businesses includes:

Liquor licensing - The Queensland Government COVID-19 economic relief package includes the waiving of 2020–21 liquor licencing fees.

State campgrounds closed - All camping areas in Queensland national parks, state forests and recreation areas are closed from 26 March 2020 until further notice.
 
Any small business impacted by COVID19 can now contact the Rural Financial Counselling Service  in the following areas:
Southern Queensland – phone (07) 4622 5500
North Queensland – phone  (07) 4652 5669


Queensland Health’s website has information on how to look after your mental wellbeing in a crisis. 

Other contacts:  
Lifeline (Mental health and wellbeing) - phone 13 11 14
Beyondblue (Mental health and wellbeing) - phone 1300 224 636
Headspace  (Youth mental health and wellbeing) - phone 1800 650 890


Resilience in Action: Positive Tourism Stories
Businesses around the world, including in our sector are searching for opportunities to keep the wheels turning and perhaps be part of the crisis response at the same time. We are keen to hear any stories you can share to showcase our adaptive capabilities.

Here is a story about Red Rooster teaming up with Foodbank Australia to help those in need during the COVID-19 crisis. From Tuesday 31 March for every order placed through their app or website between 5-9 pm they will donate the cost of the meal to Foodbank. Read more here.