Twice a week, this Briefing will be updating you with the latest news coming out of the event industry—find out about the new initiatives, products, refurbs and openings in the MICE market. Plus, we will provide the latest information on government relief and support for the industry.
On Tuesday night the Government announced a new raft of social distancing measures, which effectively mean no more events and brings us one step away from a full lockdown.
Australia has had a slower infection rate than most and we’ve been able to take lessons from our neighbours to stay largely ahead of the issue. When full social distancing comes into effect, we should be able to get back to better working conditions sooner.
If you’re wondering how long this might take, this Washington Post article is the best source I’ve seen so far. Scroll down to the fourth ‘graph’ (the last one) which shows how much better things will get when over 80 percent of us stay home. Well worth the read.
Govt support: essential links for your business
Tax relief, provided on a case-by-case basis by the ATO, call the ATO’s Emergency Support Infoline on 1800 806 218.
In the long-term, you can get money back from investments with the increased instant asset write-off & accelerated depreciation deduction measures.
If you are a business with less than $50m turnover that employs staff, the government is prepared to pay back all of your PAYG withholding (salary and wage tax payments) from January 2020, up to $100,000. Check with your bookkeeper or accountant to confirm when these payments will be made, and how much you’re eligible for.
Visit business.gov.au for a full breakdown on federal support.
State & Territory relief funds and support information:
- Queensland Government
- NSW Government
- Victorian Government
- South Australian Government
- Western Australian Government
- Northern Territory Government
- Tasmanian Government
- ACT Government
These relief packages are being updated as we go along, and we will provide updates in future Briefings.
Tourism Australia has started weekly seminars to keep the industry up to date as the situation evolves. On Friday 27 March at 11am AEDT, Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham will be talking about the different government initiatives to support the industry. You can register here.
Read: Seven ways to work remotely and stay productive
Innovation and skill development expert, Petris Lapis, shares her seven tips on how to keep the ball rolling when working from home.
There’s an increasing number of us who will be working remotely at least some of the time over the next weeks or months as the COVID-19 situation plays out. Although working remotely comes with some unique challenges, there are some things we can do to stay productive.
A class act: free coffee for healthcare workers
In a class act, the team at Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites have committed to giving free coffee to healthcare workers at any of their properties with food and beverage facilities.
Oaks are also providing a ‘home away from home’ for those that need to self-isolate, with a discount of up to 25 percent off stays. Most of their properties have self-contained apartments, where isolating guests can get groceries, food and drinks to their door, and make use of free internet and parking. They are also offering up their event spaces as remote working stations for staff who can’t make it to the office.
Self-isolate in paradise at these retreats
Got some budget and looking for a novel way to self-isolate? Check out these two:
Spicers Retreats is offering two-week packages for those looking for a tranquil spot to lie low for a while, whether it’s in town or out bush. The team is taking Health Department recommendations on board, offering in-room dining and takeaway meals.
Sydney’s historical Quarantine Station, Q Station (pictured), has been ‘in quarantine since 1848’ and is offering 14-day packages for self-isolator’s wanting to add a bit of history to their experience.
At home & hungry? Check out these gourmet outfits bringing treats to you
Pomelo + Online are bringing 5-star, chef-made meals, gourmet grocery bundles and a selection of signature drinks to your door. Take a look at their website for a mouth-watering scroll session.
Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group are keeping you well-fed, with Ribs & Burgers, Italian Street Kitchen and Butcher and the Farmer now offering take-away and delivery—plus pickup orders get a 10% discount.
In Brisbane, Nostimo is promising to feed your family with their famous greek cuisine from their takeaway menu, with delivery coming soon.
Got news? Let us know what you’ve got going on
As industry media, we want to tell your stories—your openings, launches, refurbishments and services which help people do business in these circumstances.
Get your news, updates and offers over to our editor and we will get them out to our audiences.
Email: editor@executivepa.com
Call: +61 (0) 7 3839 4911
