Mandatory Code of Conduct for Commercial Tenancies – Landlords will be required to reduce rents proportionate to the reduction in trade experienced by their tenants (if they are small to medium-sized retail, office and industrial businesses in distress) due to COVID-19. Rental relief would be proportional to a tenant’s decline in turnover and provided in two parts: (at least) 50% as a waiver and 50% as a deferral for payment over the remaining term of the lease.
COVID-19 Job Hub – The Australian Government has released a COVID-19 Job Hub to help the many employees that have been adversely affected by COVID-19 and reducing workforces, to more easily access jobs in health and care sectors, transport and logistics, some areas of retail, mining and mining services, manufacturing, agriculture and government sectors, among others that are experiencing increases in demand.
Australian Business Continuity Online Resource Centre provides access to free business services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus Business Liaison Unit engages with business regularly and provides updates to government on crucial issues.
Export Market Development Grants – $49.8 million support package for Export Market Development Grants, allowing exporters and tourism businesses to get additional reimbursements for costs incurred in marketing their products and services.
opens in a new windowEconomic response:
Visit the Australian Government business website for more information and support.
Training:
The Department of Health has a free 30-minute online training module available to health care workers including doctors, nurses, care workers, allied health professionals, reception staff, cleaning staff and others, in all settings, such as hospitals, primary care, disability care, aged care, pharmacies, dental practices and more. It covers the fundamentals of infection protection and control for COVID-19. Register for the training with the Department of Health.
TAFE NSW is offering a suite of 21 fee-free online short courses to assist job seekers and workers looking to diversify their skills, and businesses in hibernation to upskill their workers.
The 21 short courses include:
For more information and to browse the courses, visit TAFE NSW.
From Beyond Blue:
We’re all facing unprecedented challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic and the impact on small business owners is significant. Here’s some practical advice to help you navigate this tricky time.
We’re working in ways we’ve likely never had to before.
Pressure on revenue, employee management issues including staffing levels, working from home arrangements for short or extended periods, and planning for the future while dealing with the present, are all weighty issues that need to be addressed.
Looking after your own mental health as well as that of your staff is equally important.
It’s important that you seek support – this will not only be good for your mental health but good for your business too.
Beyond Blue has previously developed a opens in a new window guide for small business owners that may be useful.
This is also a good time to re-visit or, if you haven’t already, develop a wellbeing plan to help you adjust to your new working situation.
If you know a small business owner who is struggling, please visit the Supporting small businesses page of our website for information about how you can help them improve their mental health and wellbeing.
If you’re a manager, it’s important to think about how you can support your employees during these uncertain times.
During the coronavirus pandemic, many people are either already working from home, or are likely to have to work from home for a period of time. With this in mind, here are some tips for employees and managers that will help support everyone’s mental health.
If you need to work from home, you should:
If you are a small business owner, or a manager with a team working from home, you should:
If you need assistance please visit the dedicated Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service. Trained mental health professionals are available to talk to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, via phone.
The Australian Government is providing opens in a new windowfinancial assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs to support themselves and their families.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, the opens in a new windowNational Debt Helpline offers free financial counselling.
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We acknowledge that The Wallumedegal people of the Eora Nation are the Traditional Custodians of this land.