Venue Employee Resources
The KOVA team has curated a collection of national and state relevant resources for Australian venue employees.
We have been reviewing and interpreting rapidly evolving government and sector initiatives to help your business get back on it’s feet.
TREASURY FACT SHEETS
Treasury Jobkeepers Fact Sheets Click here, here and/or here
Employers can now claim Jobkeepers payments to allow them to continue paying staff, even ones which are stood down. This only applies to citizens, permanent residents, and some New Zealand visa holders. This Fact Sheet explains the details: your employer must inform you if they intend to claim Jobkeepers on your behalf, and you must inform Centrelink if this is the case and you are already claiming Jobseekers.
Jobkeeper Regulations As Laid Out by the Federal Department of the Treasury Click here
Here are the complete rules for the Jobkeeper scheme as laid out by the Treasury. The Jobkeeper programme has now been passed into law by the federal parliament, and this document is the single source of truth for that new law. It lays out eligibility for both businesses and employees and how the programme will work. It’s an official government legal document, so it’s not the clearest thing ever, but it’s straight from the department, so at least you know it’s true. Double check anything you read or any advice you receive against this document.
OTHER GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
Essential Information Page Click here
One stop shop for the most up to date COVID-19 related announcements. Announcements which have been made but not yet finalised will be marked with ‘more information will be provided in the coming days’, which helps to understand which measures are still being worked out.
National Jobs Hub Click here
Connecting unemployed workers with those industries who have an increased demand for workers e.g. healthcare, transport and logistics.
One Off ‘Economic Support Payment’ Will be Given to all on Jobseekers Click here
A $750 one off payment will be automatically given to all those who get an ‘eligible payment’ (which includes Jobseekers payments) between 12thMarch 2020 and 13thApril 2020. This includes those who make a claim between these dates, and are later found to be eligible. These factsheets explain more, but you don’t have to do anything other than register your intent to claim Jobseekers at this point.
Changes to Jobseekers Payments due to COVID-19 Click here
The Federal Government has dismantled a lot of barriers to Jobseekers payments and added a $550/wk Coronavirus Supplement to be automatically applied to all payments. ‘Asset tests’ have been waived which mean that you can still claim even if you have savings. The only real barrier which remains is income assessment, i.e. if your partner still earns more than the threshold for claiming. This threshold has already been raised (to around $79,000/yr) and may be raised again so make sure to check government sites for the most up to date information. They have also suspended ‘Mutual Obligation Requirements’ until April 27th2020, so there is not currently a requirement to be actively searching for a job to receive Jobseekers.
OTHER RESOURCES
Banks Offering Personal Finance Assistance
Below are links to financial hardship forms/helplines for many Australian banks and credit unions. If your bank is not listed here, it may be worth reaching out to them to see if assistance is available, as most now have financial hardship options available for loan/credit card repayments, such as discounts on interest rates and waiving of bank fees and charges.
ANZ. Click here.
Bendigo Bank. Click here.
Bank of Queensland. Click here.
Commonwealth Bank. Click here.
ING. Click here.
Macquarie. Click here.
NAB. Click here.
St George. Click here.
Suncorp. Click here.
Westpac. Click here.
Assistance from your Energy Provider.
Many energy providers are extending their financial hardship policies. These measures can include payment extensions, tailored payment plans and suspension of disconnections for those who cannot pay. Below are links to many of the major suppliers’ Coronavirus support packages and online application forms, but if yours isn’t listed then reach out and see what is available.
Origin. Click here.
AGL. Click here.
Energy Australia. Click here.
Aurora Energy (TAS). Click here.
Powershop. Click here.
Energy Locals. Click here.
Internet and Mobile Providers Offering Financial Help.
Many internet and mobile providers are extending financial hardship policies to cover those affected by COVID-19. Measures such as arranging payment plans, waiving fees and temporary stops to service suspensions have been rolled out. If yours isn’t listed, reach out and see what they are doing to help.
Vodafone. Click here.
Aussie Broadband. Click here.
Telstra. Click here.
Optus. Click here.
Free Financial Counselling. Click here.
The National Debt Helpline is a not for profit offering free financial advice for those suffering hardship at the moment. The website has useful links and guides, or you can call to speak to a counsellor.
FAQ for Renters Click here
This FAQ is specific to NSW but most of it is great advice for tenants struggling to pay rent or understand their obligations no matter where you are. Much more reliable than your landlord, your rental agent or a bunch of Facebook comments!
GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
Cost of Living Savings Calculator Click here
The NSW Government has introduced savings and rebates to help with the cost of living. You can just click on the link, answer some questions and you will be told exactly what you’re eligible for.
OTHER RESOURCES
Advice for renters Click here
The best and most up to date advise for renters in New South Wales. Get in touch with these guys if you need help figuring out what your legal rights and obligations are, and check back when you hear about new rules and regulations. Much more reliable than your landlord, your rental agent or a bunch of Facebook comments!
Free TAFE Courses Click here
A range of TAFE courses have been made free for those looking to upskill during the pandemic. Link to TAFE website at bottom of page.
Burrow Bar
Peg Leg
If you’re really hard up and aren’t sure how you’re going to pay for your next meal, these venues have you covered. Hit up the crew from Peg Leg in Pyrmont, who are doing free take-away meals every night between 6 and 8pm, or Burrow Bar in the CBD who are providing free meals for hospo workers in crisis a couple of days a week conjunction with other venues like Isabel. Donate if you can.
GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
Jobs for Victorians Click here
Working for Victoria is a programme from the Victorian government to find jobs for workers who have recently lost their job or casuals who no longer have shifts due to COVID-19. May involve relocating to regional areas, but not in all cases. Open to non-citizens as well as Australians. FAQ and online registration provided.
Emergency Relief Food Packages For Vulnerable Victorians Click here
If you are in mandatory self isolation (i.e. if you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms) and are unable to access food and essential supplies, the Victorian Government will supply 2 weeks’ worth of essential items. This service can be accessed by calling the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398, and they can also refer you to other services you may need.
Rental Relief Grants for Residential Tenants Click here
For renters living in Victoria experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for a grant from the Victorian government of up to $2,000. This is open to anyone who is on an official lease regardless of employment or immigration status. There are a few hoops to jump through of course, so if you’re in financial trouble or you think you will be shortly, read the details in the link carefully and start the process now! To qualify, you have to have at least attempted to enter into an agreement with your landlord and have official documentation of that. Even if your landlord or agent has already given you a rental reduction or deferral, you can still qualify if you’re paying more than 30% of your income towards rent and you have less than $5,000 in savings.
OTHER RESOURCES
Free Advice for Hospo Employees Click here
These guys are an employment law firm in Victoria offering free consultations to employees who’ve been effected by COVID-19. If you’re having trouble understanding what your rights are or you think your employer might be doing something dodgy, give them a call or send them an email.
Advice for renters Click here
The best and most up to date advise for renters in Victoria. Get in touch with these guys if you need help figuring out what your legal rights and obligations are, and check back when you hear about new rules and regulations. Much more reliable than your landlord, your rental agent or a bunch of Facebook comments!
Free Meals Delivered for Hospo Workers Click here
If you’re really hard up and aren’t sure how you’re going to pay for your next meal, these guys have you covered. They’re providing free meals for hospo workers in crisis.
Free Meals and Advice for Temporary Visa Holders Click here.
Melbourne restaurant Attica is offering free soup to hospitality workers on temporary visas who do not qualify for JobSeeker and other government support because of their immigration status. They are also sometimes handing out grocery basics and when you come to pick up your soup you can also request a free consultation with the restaurant’s immigration agents.
GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
Cost of Living Concession for those on Jobseekers Click here
One person per household can apply for a Cost of Living Concession to help pay bills etc. Due to COVID-19, those who are receiving Jobseekers through Centrelink will be eligible for a one off $500 boost, and will receive their 2020-2021 payment in advance. The link to apply is at the bottom of the page, and you can also apply for concessions on energy bills, water and sewage rates at the same time.
OTHER RESOURCES
Advice for renters Click here
The best and most up to date advise for renters in South Australia. Get in touch with these guys if you need help figuring out what your legal rights and obligations are, and check back when you hear about new rules and regulations. Much more reliable than your landlord, your rental agent or a bunch of Facebook comments!
GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
Payroll Tax Relief Click here
The QLD Government has rolled out a package of payroll tax relief. All businesses affected by COVID-19 are eligible for a refund and deferral, and those who pay less than $6.5million in taxable wages can also apply for a 3 month payroll tax ‘holiday’. There are links for application forms (one for refund/holiday and one for deferral- if you can, ask your accountant or financial adviser for advice on which would best suit your business).
Electricity Relief for Both Households and Businesses Click here
Q&A Fact Sheet on both the ‘Household Utility Assistance Package’ and ‘Power Bill Relief Package’ for small businesses.
The Household package is a $200 per year rebate which should be applied to your electricity bill over the coming months, without you having to do anything and includes tenants as well as homeowners.
The Small Business Package is a $500 per year rebate for businesses which consume less than 100,000 kilowatt hours. Again, this should be applied directly to your electricity bill.
Rental Relief Grants for Residential Tenants Click here
For renters in Queensland who are not receiving any kind of financial assistance, you may be eligible for a government grant to cover your rent for four weeks, up to a maximum of $2,000. To Qualify, you have to be able to prove that you have tried to negotiate with your landlord or agent, not have more than $10,000 in cash and savings, have lost your job, and are still waiting to hear back from Centrelink, so the criteria are pretty tight, but if this is you, help is there. Application and more details via this link.
OTHER RESOURCES
Advice for renters Click here
The best and most up to date advise for renters in Queensland. Get in touch with these guys if you need help figuring out what your legal rights and obligations are, and check back when you hear about new rules and regulations. Much more reliable than your landlord, your rental agent or a bunch of Facebook comments!
GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
More Funding for Rapid Response Skills Initiative Click here
Up to $3,000 support available for retraining for workers who have been made redundant or stood down. Businesses can also advertise any vacancies they may have.
OTHER RESOURCES
Advice for renters Click here
The best and most up to date advise for renters in Tasmania. Get in touch with these guys if you need help figuring out what your legal rights and obligations are, and check back when you hear about new rules and regulations. Much more reliable than your landlord, your rental agent or a bunch of Facebook comments!
Advice for renters Click here
The best and most up to date advise for renters in Western Australia. Get in touch with these guys if you need help figuring out what your legal rights and obligations are, and check back when you hear about new rules and regulations. Much more reliable than your landlord, your rental agent or a bunch of Facebook comments!
Advice for renters Click here
The best and most up to date advise for renters in the ACT. Get in touch with these guys if you need help figuring out what your legal rights and obligations are, and check back when you hear about new rules and regulations. Much more reliable than your landlord, your rental agent or a bunch of Facebook comments! Be aware that Tenants ACT is going through some changes and funding issues currently, so the website it currently down, there is still useful information and links on this page.
Canberra Based Delivery Service Supporting Local Restaurants Click here
This delivery service delivers meals from local restaurants within specific areas (currently Inner North and Inner South, but if your suburb isn’t currently included they invite expressions of interest and may look to expand). Orders must be in by 5pm, and a delivery time after 6pm chosen to avoid a bottleneck of orders at dinnertime. Preference for employment as a delivery driver will be given to those who have lost their jobs in hospitality.
GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
Jobs Hub Aims to Match Job Seekers with Employers Click here
The NT Government is supporting those who have lost their jobs through COVID-19 to find new jobs in local businesses through this online portal.
OTHER RESOURCES
Advice for renters Click here
The best and most up to date advise for renters in the NT. Get in touch with these guys if you need help figuring out what your legal rights and obligations are, and check back when you hear about new rules and regulations. Much more reliable than your landlord, your rental agent or a bunch of Facebook comments!