Last night Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that the previous public gathering limit of 10 people has been reduced two. Mr Morrison stated that it will be up to State and territories to “determine whether they proceed to make this an enforceable limit in the same way that the 10-person limit is already being enforced”. … Read more

On Sunday night (29 March 2020), after another meeting with National Cabinet, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced further advice on relief for tenants and landlords struggling to keep up with rental payments. This comes as manyworkers are left unemployed following the ramifications of COVID-19. Those Australians, having lost their jobs, may now be facing … Read more

On 29 March 2020, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that the government would be contributing $150 million to support domestic violence services like 1800 Respect and Mensline. The PM noted that with the stress and isolation that comes with the COVID-19 virus, the threat of domestic and family violence can become much greater. In his … Read more

Related to our earlier COVID-19 Employment FAST FACTS What risks are present where staff are required to attend the workplace because they are unable to work remotely? What happens if workers become ill with suspected COVID-19? Should remote workers be treated any differently to workers in the workplace in terms of leave? Can workers who … Read more

RM Williams, Myer, Kathmandu, Country Road and Cotton on shops are just some of the larger retailers whose doors closed on the weekend due to COVID-19, with thousands of its workers stood down. Business owners are grappling with whether stand down of workers is a viable option as their businesses are being crippled by the … Read more

Last week Qantas and Jetstar temporarily stood down two-thirds of their 30,000 employees until at least the end of May. Workers who are stood down who subsequently become sick with COVID-19, or provide care to a sick family member regardless of the type of sickness, cannot access personal leave. For those workers who are off … Read more

Cash flow boost for charities – PAYG credit New charities registered with the ACNC after 12 March 2020 are still eligible. Consider other payments that may be reportable in your Activity Statement other than salary & wages – e.g. Directors fees, voluntary withholding payments to contractors. For more information click here.  ACNC COVID-19 landing page … Read more

As quickly as the pandemic that is COVID-19 has seemingly spread across our states, just as quickly have governments on all levels scrambled to enforce and encourage new restrictions on the personal and business lives of all Australians. On Sunday night last week (22 March 2020), Premiers and Chief Ministers held National Cabinet with Prime … Read more

On Monday 23 March 2020, a series of coronavirus (COVID-19) response bills were quickly passed through before Federal Parliament, seeking to quickly legislate economic relief to individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic of COVID-19.  I Within Schedule 12 of the Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus Bill 2020 (Cth) (“the Bill’), there are aims to … Read more

Although limited, there has been discussion on further amendments to legislation to allow for a reduction of rent payments for tenants who are increasingly becoming more vulnerable to unemployment or loss of wages. In addressing the media on Friday last week (20 March 2020), Prime Minister Scott Morrison outlined the need for state governments to … Read more

In the last couple of days, the financial situation in Australia has rapidly changed due to COVID-19. The Federal Government has urgently pushed through new legislation to provide assistance to businesses during this pandemic. In particular, this article will look at the new cash flow boost for employers to allow them to continue to operate. … Read more

The rapid rise of Coronavirus cases worldwide but also now in Queensland will have an enormous impact on business. At this time and during the next months business owners must be mindful of their obligations in addition to their workers’ rights and entitlements. To make things easier for our clients, we highlight some really useful … Read more

Coronavirus is forcing more employers to allow staff to work from home.  Many employers don’t have a work from home policy (“WFH Policy”) and are asking us to help write one.  Here are some of the things you need to consider when drafting a WFH Policy. Why do I need a Work From Home Policy? … Read more

The rise of coronavirus has impacted on many people in unexpected ways. For people already at risk of family violence, the need to self-isolate or distance themselves socially can put them at an even higher risk of harm. Now might be the time to engage in safety planning, or to help someone you think may … Read more

Businesses all over Australia are starting to feel the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on our economy.  Restaurants and cafes are empty, venues for hire are receiving multiple booking cancellations, domestic and international tour operators are cancelling tours, retailers are struggling to make ends meet. Clients are contacting us daily, seeking our help in developing … Read more

Starting on July 2020, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (“ACNC”) will review 500 Public Benevolent Institutions (“PBIs”) to determine whether they remain eligible for their Deductible Gift Recipient (“DGR”) endorsements and tax concessions. For context – just over 2 years ago, the Australian Government announced proposed reforms to the DGR system with the intention … Read more

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Fast fact answers to these most frequently asked questions: Should employees be working in the office, or working from home? What happens if workers choose to self-isolate/quarantine? Can workers be directed by their employer to self-isolate/quarantine? Can workers be stood down by their employer? What happens to their pay? Can workers and employers … Read more

COVID-19: What does it mean for your rights as a worker in Queensland? The recent escalation of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is impacting heavily on employees operating all sorts of businesses. To make things easier for our clients, we highlight some really useful question and answers to assist employees in understanding their rights in Queensland … Read more

The COVID-19 outbreak has affected society in a number of ways. For those with ongoing family law matters, you may be wondering whether the COVID-19 outbreak will affect your family law matter. The short answer is yes, it may. Here are some of the ways it may affect your family law matter: Courts: information is … Read more

There’s no question that separating from your partner can be expensive. There may be costs involved in moving house, separating your finances, getting legal and financial advice, not to mention the reality of an overall reduced household income. With the uncertainty surrounding job security with the corona virus or CoVID-19 crisis, many people may be … Read more