OCTOBER 2020 Edition

Dear Valued ARAMA Member,
 
There is a plethora of information in this month’s e-News Bulletin (sorry!) This is due to the rapidly changing reactions to the pandemic which continues to dominate our Governments health directives and in some cases its political manoeuvrers.
 
There is an abundance of Government handouts but a distinct lack of risk management in relation to borders. More border openings = less handouts!
 
Congratulations to the South Australian Government who has joined with the NSW Government and are leading the way into the brave new normal. At time of writing, SA and NSW are the only States that have allowed access to all Australians with the exception of Victoria. As a result, business is beginning to boom especially in NSW and SA Tourism.
 
Now if we can just get the borders open again in Queensland - business will begin to boom again. Pretty obvious really!

Enjoy this month's read.

Best wishes
Trevor Rawnsley

3 New hurdles announced in new roadmap
The Queensland Government has announced more hurdles to jump including 28 clear days of zero community transmission in NSW before it will allow the Queensland/NSW Border to fully re-open. Is this a bridge too far ? You be the Judge...

Federal tourism relief package now open
The Federal Government will inject $250 million into regional Australia, encouraging more Australians to travel and experience a home-grown holiday, boosting regional jobs and local economies. The package includes two measures, a $50 million Regional Tourism Recovery initiative to assist businesses in regions heavily reliant on international tourism and $200 million for an additional round of the Building Better Regions Fund.

Read the press release

Read the fact sheet

Free ATDW for 24 months

In response to the impacts of COVID-19, Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) is offering FREE membership with no annual fee for the next 24 months, providing a saving of $150 per year. Operators looking to take up this offer should visit www.atdw-online.com.au and click 'Register Now' in the top right corner to create an ATDW listing. For existing ATDW members, there is no action to take. 

ATIC update

The Australian Tourism Industry Council has provided an extensive update. Since this was produced the Qld/NSW border bubble has been expanded and SA has opened its borders to NSW. 

Jobkeepeer 2.0 extension and amendment rules explained

The Jobkeeper Extension and Amendment rules only passed into law on 15 September and the ATO are still finalising the very last pieces of guidance. Here is a summary of the impacts for you and your business.

Announcement on changes for residential tenancies 

While the moratorium on evictions for residential tenancies in Victoria and NSW has been extended until March 2021, Queensland’s Residential Tenancies Authority have announced that the eviction moratorium will cease to apply from 30^th September 2020 in Queensland thus restoring a small semblance of fairness and balance in relation to renting in Queensland

Modernised Body Corporate regulations to commence in March 2021
The Palaszczuk Government has finalised a modernised set of body corporate regulations which will deliver important benefits for Queenslanders. Read the Attorney Generals press release.

Review the details direct from the Office of Regulatory Policy

Looking for a grant via Queensland Tourism?
The Queensland Tourism Industry Grants Gateway is a really useful way to navigate your way through this often daunting path.

Latest public health direction

Please find Queensland`s updated public heath directive -  Movement and Gathering (No 4)

Chief health officer public health directions update   

The Queensland Border Bubble has been expanded and Border Restrictions Direction (No. 15) has now been released. Get the facts here. 

Latest news and views from OFT
Queensland’s Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has released updated information about licensing and scams and a whole bunch more. 

COVIDSAFE Check-in for NSW businesses goes live

The NSW Government’s COVID Safe Check-in tool has gone live across NSW and is available to registered COVID Safe businesses. Please find a copy of the QR Code, a presentation pack, a set of hi res promotional pieces and supporting Q&A`s.

Grace period for property sector reforms extended
In response to ARAMA`s repeated requests in light of the extensive impacts of COVID-19 on the property sector, the NSW Government has extended the grace period for penalties under new Property and Stock Agents Act regulations until 1 April 2021. 

NSW property matters
Fair Trading NSW has released its latest update which includes new real estate requirements under the COVID-19 health order. 

Victorian updates - COVIDSAFE UPDATE

It is now mandatory for every Victorian business that is open to have a COVIDSAFE Plan. To ensure compliance, random spot checks are underway. Failure to comply could result in an on the spot fine of up $9,913 and up to $20,000 for serious offences. For information and resources to help you prepare a COVIDSAFE plan, visit the Business Victoria Website here.

Victorian updates - Sole trader support fund

Applications for the Sole Trader Support Fund have just opened, with eligible businesses now able to apply. For more information and to check the full criteria. 

WANT TO SAVE $2000 WHEN JOINING THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS AND MEMBER FRIENDLY GOLF CLUB ON THE GOLD COAST?
For a limited time, Southport Golf Club is offering ARAMA Members the opportunity to apply and become full paying members without the normal entrance fee of $2000.
If you are not a golfer, then take advantage of applying to become a "Friend of Southport" with NO JOINING FEE and enjoy the modern clubhouse for dining and drinks at member-discounted prices.  

ARAMA member and former police officer develop a guest blacklisting
web based platform.
Blacklist guests and alert other providers
What are the real costs to your business when a guest leaves your accommodation trashed? What are the real costs to your business when a guest participates in illegal matters when staying in your accommodation?

Looking for Guest Registration Cards, Trust Account Receipt books or In-room Notice Stickers? Shop at member prices on the ARAMA  online store! 

ARAMA's Next Educational Webinar:  Office of Fair Trading & Trust Account Investigations 

While this particular presentation features Queensland’s OFT, members in other States should tune in as the principles explained are very similar in your State. While the licensing requirements my differ the principles of trust account management and the regulator are very similar.

ARAMA's Next MRITP: Tuesday 27th October 2020

This Management Rights Industry Training Program (MRITP) is ideal for:

• First time Management Rights operators who are thinking of entering the industry or just about to

• New operators in their 1st year of operation

• Experienced operators looking to refresh their industry knowledge and improve their industry IQ

• Professionals, suppliers or service providers who want to understand more about this fascinating and vibrant industry

Find out how a software program that costs you nothing can improve  your relationship with your committee
Watch this recorded webinar 

From mitigation to litigation, we also explore the impact an ever-increasing number of class actions

As spring arrives and we hurtle towards the end of the year, our country is still in the grip of the fallout – health, social and economic – of COVID-19. And although life and business are not back to ‘normal’, Mother Nature is not changing her course. With one of our most perilous seasons for bushfires, flood and tropical cyclones just around the corner, we look at risk mitigation in this edition.

Far north Queensland leading the way in regional travel recovery 
Traditionally Queensland’s Far North has been a tourism hot spot, with the region worth a whopping $2.5 billion annually. The draw of sites such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands and the World Heritage Rainforests bring a flock of tourists each year, however the impact of COVID-19 travel...

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