Support for business and workers: latest updates for businesses impacted by COVID-19

The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training is keeping us informed of the latest assistance from the Queensland and Australian Governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recent announcements:

Queensland maps three stage road map to easing restrictions — From Saturday 16 May up to 10 patrons can dine in at restaurants, cafes and other selected venues (up to 20 locals for outback Queensland venues) among other restrictions to be lifted in the first stage of easing in Queensland. View the three stage roadmap for easing Queensland’s restrictions. View the final COVID Safe checklist for cafes and restaurants or beauty therapists and nail salons.

COVID-19 information for workplaces — Safe Work Australia’s tailored advice for 24 industry areas to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Also review the National COVID-19 Safe Workplace Principles.

New JobKeeper eligibility requirements for 16 and 17 year olds — Employers need to provide the new JobKeeper Employee nomination notice to 16 and 17 year old employees as they will need to be independent or not in full-time study to continue to be eligible for JobKeeper for fortnights starting after 11 May.

Ombudsman releases new mental health resource for sole traders— The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman released a 13 minute webinar with sole trader and Beyond Blue ambassador Garry Mills discussing his experiences, practical tips and further resources to support other business owners.

Non-essential business, activity and undertaking closure direction (No. 9) — This update expands the definition of a qualified massage therapist to include a certificate IV level qualification as the minimum and allows the Queensland Chief Health Officer to grant exemptions for professional sporting codes.

Protecting public officials and workers (spitting, coughing and spitting) direction (No. 2)— This Queensland direction has been amended to include allied health professionals, corrective services and youth justice officers.

Delivering a win for local cafes and restaurants — Deliveroo removes commission fees for pick up orders and lower commission fees for Queensland restaurants that provide their own deliveries. The Small Business Taskforce continues to work with stakeholders to support hospitality businesses to start and grow their takeaway and delivery operations during COVID-19 restrictions.

Fast tracking the upskilling of Australian workers on COVID-19 safety — An infection control skill set is under development to support customer and employee confidence that workplaces can be kept safe. The skill set will be able to be delivered as a short course or part of a qualification. Resources for registered training organisations to deliver this training will be available soon with transport and logistics, retail and food handling sectors the initial priorities with others to follow.

Infrastructure to drive Queensland forward — The State Infrastructure Plan includes 130 government projects worth more than $3.8 billion that are on track to get underway in the six months from 1 April 2020. Free online training