See original email here.

For business

Who to contact

The Queensland and Australian Governments have dedicated customer representatives ready to take your call or email to explain the assistance packages available to your business.

For an overview of Queensland Government support visit Business Queensland and contact the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training hotline on 1300 654 687 and [email protected]. You can also follow Business Queensland on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. You can also subscribe to the Small Business Connect newsletter.

You can also find the NEW Coronavirus (COVID-19) Business Assistance Finder tool here to assist businesses to find out what support is available.

The Queensland Government’s dedicated COVID-19 website is now live at www.covid19.qld.gov.au

The Australian Government’s Coronavirus Business Support service is available from 7am-9pm, seven days a week on phone 13 28 46 or you can email Coronavirus business support.

The Australian Government’s Coronavirus Australia app is available from the Apple Store and Google Play and you can also join their WhatsApp channel.

If you have a good or service to offer the Queensland Government that supports efforts to treat and control COVID-19 please contact [email protected]

Accommodation Directives

Queenslanders should stay in their homes and should not travel except for permitted purposes such as shopping for essentials and attending work if that work cannot be done remotely.

This public health direction is outlined here and is currently in place until 19 May 2020 and may be extended further.

We all have a role to play in uniting against COVID-19, you should not be encouraging people to holiday at your business, this also means cancelling any future bookings while the directive is in place.

Home Confinement – a person who resides in Queensland must not leave their principal place of residence except for necessary permitted purposes. Travelling for leisure is not permitted. If s person lives permanently in Queensland, their residence is where they normally reside. If they live in Queensland temporarily, their residence is where they reside while in Queensland.

Gatherings – gatherings in public places are permitted only for the specific purposes listed in the direction – for example airports, public transport, medical or emergency services. Gathering at food markets, supermarket, grocery store, retail store or shopping centre are also permitted, if it is part of the normal business of those places.

Hotels, hostels, B&Bs, backpacker, boarding houses, camping and caravan parks – can remain open for those people who live permanently there or who require interim accommodation where their primary residence is not available. They may also continue to operate for workers delivering essential goods and services, including backpackers who have secured seasonal employment.

This includes backpackers, who are encouraged to secure work before moving residences.

Working holiday makers/seasonal workers already in Qld are encouraged to use the Harvest Labour website to register for / seek work. They should not be approaching farms directly to seek work or accommodation.

At all times, Social distancing advice must be followed.

Useful links:


Travel bookings and refunds – where appropriate and possible, businesses are being encouraged to provide viable remedies for customers including refunds or honouring bookings for another time when it is safe to travel and holiday again. Information on consumer advice.

The Government values the importance of the state’s tourism and events industry to Queensland’s economy and the need to support this industry through these unprecedented times. For information on the industry recovery package visit www.qld.gov.au/about/industry-recovery.

For more information on Australian Government assistance visit www.australia.gov.au.

Travel Restrictions

Stricter measures at the Queensland border with New South Wales restrictions came into effect from Friday 3 April 2020, with all travellers requiring a border pass. Please refer to the Queensland Government website for information on the exemptions and applying for an entry pass.

If you cross the border into Queensland you must self-quarantine for 14 days. For information on the border restrictions, self-quarantine requirements, exemptions and boarder passes visit this website.

Find out what the Queensland border restrictions mean for business and industry in this fact sheet.

From midnight 28 March 2020, all returning overseas travellers are required to self-isolate in a hotel or other accommodation for a period of 14 days. The Australian Defence Force is supporting the implementation of these arrangements. The Isolation Declaration Card is enforceable by law. Find out more

Restricted entry to remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

The Australian Government has restricted entry to remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities (‘designated areas’) in Queensland in an effort to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Travel restrictions to remote communities as well as North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) and Fraser Island (K’gari) have been updated – Find out more.

International flight crew are granted a concession from the mandatory 14 day quarantine requirements for individuals arriving in Australia. Find out more here.

Sole Traders

For an overview of Australian Government support see this fact sheet.

The increased instant asset write-off – for sole traders and employees. The threshold has been increased from $30,000 to $150,000 and is accessible to more businesses.

The increased and accelerated income support for sole traders and employees supplement to be paid at a rate of $550 per fortnight. Payments will commence from 27 April 2020.

Backing Business Investment (BBI) – a time limited 15 month investment incentive (through to 30 June 2021) to support business investment and economic growth over the short term, by accelerating depreciation deductions.

Boosting cash flow for employers – Temporary cash flow support to small and medium businesses and not-for-profit organisations through two sets of cash flow boosts to support employers to retain employees.Support provided via tax-free cash flow boosts of between $20,000 and $100,000.

The Australian Government’s JobKeeper package offers a subsidy of up to $1500 per fortnight per employee to keep eligible businesses paying their staff. Employers and sole traders can register their interest in this program with the Australian Tax Office. The JobKeeper Payment factsheet for employers states the first payment will be received by employers from the ATO in the first week of May.

Job support loans – Loan for sole traders to retain employees and maintain their operations. Low interest loans of up to $250,000 are available to assist with carry-on expenses such as employee wages, rent and rates and other related expenditure.

Early access to superannuation– Sole traders or casual workers with an income or hours reduced by 20% or more, access up to $10,000 of the superannuation tax-free.

Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme – the Australian Government will provide a guarantee of 50% to support short-term loans.

Commercial and residential tenancies – Evictions will be put on hold over the next 6 months for commercial and residential tenancies in financial distress, who are unable to meet their commitments due to the impact of the coronavirus. Commercial tenants, landlords and financial institutions are encouraged to talk about short term agreements. Find out more

Small and medium businesses

Boosting cash flow – Temporary cash flow support to small and medium businesses through two sets of cash flow boosts to support employers to retain employees.Support provided via tax-free cash flow boosts of between $20,000 and $100,000

Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme – the Australian Government will provide a guarantee of 50% to support short-term loans.

The Australian Government’s JobKeeper package offers a subsidy of up to $1500 per fortnight per employee to keep eligible businesses paying their staff. Employers and sole traders can register their interest in this program with the Australian Tax Office. The JobKeeper Payment factsheet for employers states the first payment will be received by employers from the ATO in the first week of May.

Supporting apprentices and trainees – Eligible employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50% of their apprentice’s or trainee’s wage paid during 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020. As of 2 April 2020, Registrations are now open for small businesses, and other eligible employers, to apply for the 50 per cent wage subsidy for apprentices.

Job support loans – Loan for Queensland businesses to retain employees and maintain their operations. Low interest loans of up to $250,000 are available to assist with carry-on expenses such as employee wages, rent and rates and other related expenditure. Eligible business types include sole traders, partnerships, private and public companies and Trusts.

Payroll tax relief package – SMEs may be eligible for one or more of a range of payroll tax relief measures as a result of the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19)

Temporary relief for financially distressed businesses – The Australian Government is temporarily increasing the threshold at which creditors can issues a statutory demand

Finance for exporters – Export Finance Australia provides commercial loans, guarantees and bonds when the banks are unable to help. Speak to Export Finance Australia’s experienced team on 1800 093 724.

SME power bill relief – Small and medium businesses may be eligible for $500 rebate off their energy bill.

Rent relief – for small businesses who rent premises from the Queensland Government.

Commercial and residential tenancies – Evictions will be put on hold over the next 6 months for commercial and residential tenancies in financial distress, who are unable to meet their commitments due to the impact of the coronavirus. Commercial tenants, landlords and financial institutions are encouraged to talk about short term agreements. Find out more

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

Information for charities and non-for-profit organisations can be found here at the Australian Charities and Non-For-Profits Commission.

Supporting staff

The Australian Government’s JobKeeper package offers a wage subsidy of up to $1500 per fortnight per employee to keep eligible businesses paying their staff.

Employers and sole traders can register their interest in this program with the Australian Tax Office. The JobKeeper Payment factsheet for employers states the first payment will be received by employers from the ATO in the first week of May.

Supporting apprentices and trainees – Eligible employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50% of their apprentice’s or trainee’s wage paid during 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020.
Casual employees – The Australian Government is making support payments quicker to access by waiving the usual waiting period periods for casual employees.

Registered charities are now able to access the JobKeeper COVID-19 wage subsidy if they experience a 15 per cent decline in turnover (reduced from the 30 per cent decline threshold currently in place for all businesses with a turnover of $1 billion or less).

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.

Worker transition scheme – For workers who may find themselves without work.

Jobs Hubs – the Australian Government is actively supporting businesses to connect with those looking for work.

Working holiday makers/seasonal workers already in Qld are encouraged to use the Harvest Labour website to register for / seek work. They should not be approaching farms directly to seek work or accommodation.

Early access to superannuation – Casual workers with an income or hours reduced by 20% or more, access up to $10,000 of their superannuation tax-free.

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

Fair Work Ombudsman – Provides education, assistance, advice and guidance to employers, employees, outworkers, outworker entities and organisations.

Tax, bill, fee and rent relief

A new COVID-19 Rental Grant is available for Queenslanders who have lost their job due to the impacts of COVID-19 and who do not have access to other financial assistance.

Residential Tenancies Authority – The RTA provides further information on residential renting. Contact can be made on their information line on 1800 497 161 from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday or from 9am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday, or text “Hi” to 0480 000 782.

Temporary relief for financially distressed businesses – The Australian Government is temporarily increasing the threshold at which creditors can issues a statutory demand.

Payroll tax relief package – SMEs may be eligible for one or more of a range of payroll tax relief measures as a result of the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19)

SME power bill relief – Small and medium businesses may be eligible for $500 rebate off their energy bill. This will be automatically applied to your bill.

Rent relief – for small businesses who rent premises from the Queensland Government.

Commercial and residential tenancies – Evictions on hold over the next 6 months for commercial and residential tenancies in financial distress. Find out more

Vehicle registration relief – if businesses are not using their vehicles they can de-register the vehicles and receive a refund of the unused portion and not occur ongoing costs such as periodic inspections.

Tourism business support

The Queensland Government COVID-19 economic relief package includes:

See the DITID website for more details. The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) is offering free membership, advocacy and support. You can also call (07) 3236 1445.

Adapting your business model

Market diversification and resilience grants – To help develop alternative markets food and fishing exporters and critical supply chain partners

Supply chain issues – For manufacturers and businesses who are finding it difficult to obtain vital materials and supplies to remain open.

Food businesses who want to change their business model i.e. move to home delivery services can get advice from Safe Food Queensland.

#MakingItForQLD campaign – a call for Queensland manufacturers to re-purpose themselves to support Queensland during the COVID-19 crisis. Manufacturers or businesses having difficulties accessing supplies can visit qld.gov.au/qld-supplies

Getting ready to rebound

Business Mentoring Assistance – Mentoring for Growth – The Mentoring for Growth program has mentors ready to connect with impacted small businesses and may be able to provide tailored support including financial mentoring and business planning.

Financial Resilience Workshops – Delivered by TAFE Queensland, these workshops will provide practical tools and skills to build business resilience as well as an opportunity to connect and network with other small businesses facing similar issues.

Market Diversification and Resilience Grants – To help develop alternative markets food and fishing exporters and critical supply chain partners.

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

General

Latest health advice, current status and contact tracing alerts

Visit Queensland Health for the latest health information and instructions.

Join the Australian Government what’s app group for the latest news and advice http://oz.gov.au/whatsapp

If you develop a fever, a cough, sore throat or shortness of breath within 14 days of overseas travel, contact a doctor or call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

Easter holiday advice

From 3 April 2020, a number of Queensland’s popular picnic areas, lookouts, walking tracks, swimming areas and 4WD beach recreation areas in national parks will be closed. A full list of closures can be found at www.des.qld.gov.au

Camping – State campgrounds closed – All camping areas in Queensland national parks, state forests and recreation areas are closed from 26 March 2020 until further notice. Camping bookings with a start date up to, and including, 31 May 2020 are being cancelled. Requests for refunds via www.des.qld.gov.au

Restrictions on gatherings – public gatherings, excluding household members, have been limited to a maximum of two people. Pubs, licensed clubs and hotels (excluding accommodation), gyms, skateparks, indoor sporting venues, cinemas, beauty salons, play centres and outside playgrounds, places of worship and other public places must be closed. There are restrictions on attendance at weddings, funerals and outdoor fitness classes.

Fishing and Boating – people should remain off the water except to obtain food – which includes fishing – or for other essential goods or services or for the purpose of exercise in a non-powered craft (such as a paddle), limited to two people in line with Commonwealth Government directives.

Fossicking – all fossicking areas in Queensland are closed until further notice to reduce the risk of spreading COVID19 among the community. Find out more.

Mental wellbeing

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

Caring for others

Community Recovery Hotline – 1800 173 349 – for Queenslanders who do not have the capacity to look after themselves in quarantine and don’t have family or friends to assist.

Contact the Salvation Army or phone 1300 662 217.

Domestic and family violence – the Queensland Government has information, services and support for people affected by domestic or family violence.

More Information

Key Partner Contacts as follow:

DITID Tourism
[email protected]

​ DITID Innovation
[email protected]

Office of the QLD Chief Entrepreneur
[email protected]
(07) 3423 9500

TEQ
[email protected]
(07) 3535 3535

QTIC
[email protected]
(07) 3236 1445

Business Queensland
[email protected]
1300 654 687

Australian Banking Association
Chamber of Commerce & Industry Qld
Facebook Grants
For Education and Schools
General State Government Updates