Australian and Queensland Governments COVID-19 support and information
Stay informed
Emergency business hotlines:
- Federal Government Business Hotline - 13 28 46
- Queensland Business Hotline - 1300 654 687
- Australian Taxation Office Emergency Hotline - 1800 806 218
- Centrelink Hotline - 13 74 68
Australian Government Small Business Support Page
Visit the Australian Government business website for coronavirus information and support for business.
Here you will find financial assistance, eligibility and timing for the new government support for Australian businesses.
Information and services to help you if you’re affected by COVID-19 or you are looking for more details on how the Australian Government can help visit the Services Australia website.
Queensland Government Small Business Support Page
The Queensland Government has support for those impacted by the international outbreak of COVID-19.
Visit the novel coronavirus small business support page for more information.
COVID-19 Grants
There are a number of community and business packages available for COVID-19 relief from the Australian and Queensland Governments.
Often finding and accessing this funding can seem a complicated and difficult task, visit: https://townsville.grantguru.com.au/ to see the full list of available grants. Please read the eligibility carefully, as some grants are for very specific areas.
Government advice for small businesses
Know your responsibilities
For information on your responsibilities as an employer read through this page. Ensure that this information is shared and accessible to your staff.
Small business mentoring sessions
Register your business with Mentoring for Growth (M4G), a free program which helps you to engage with experienced business mentors.
Register your interest in a Mentoring for Growth session.
Small business financial workshops
Small businesses can access a series of workshops to learn about financial management and business planning.
Register for workshops in a location near you.
Support for tourism operators and hospitality providers
Fees and charges relief for tourism operators and hospitality providers can be found here.
Counselling and support for small businesses
Counselling and Support website
- A range of resources and support services are available for impacted businesses who feel they need additional mentoring or assistance. Support services for businesses impacted
- If your employment has been impacted, access information about employee rights, entitlements and support available. Support for impacted employees
- The Queensland Government provides interpreting services through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) or phone 131 450.
Further detailed information for small businesses
Support | Details |
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A hold on evictions for renters (individuals and businesses) |
The Australian Government, together with the states and territories have agreed on a common set of principles that will impact Businesses:
Commercial tenants, landlords and financial institutions are encouraged to talk about short term agreements. More information about this will be available this week. Visit business.gov.au for updated information. |
Assistance for affected regions, communities and industries | The Government has set aside an initial $1 billion allocation to support those regions and communities that have been disproportionately affected by the economic impacts of the Coronavirus, including those heavily reliant on industries such as:
For more information visit the Assistance for affected regions, communities and industries webpage. |
Support for Individuals
The Queensland Government has opened a new online portal that will connect Queenslanders who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 with new job opportunities. This is among some of the recent initiatives that are part of a $4 billion package of measures to support Queenslanders’ health, Queensland jobs and Queensland businesses. These initiatives are designed to help people withstand the economic impacts of the pandemic and support jobs.
For information on this and more, visit the Queensland Government website.
Assistance to find work
Support | Details |
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Jobs Finder Queensland – Support for job seekers | Queensland Government has rolled out a new portal for people whose employment has been impacted by COVID-19 and are looking for work. You can register your details to be matched with suitable job opportunities in priority job sectors. Visit the Queensland Government website for more details. |
Free online TAFE courses | TAFE Queensland has skill sets and micro-credentials in a range of different courses available online. To qualify, you must be a Queensland resident, and a job seeker or worker impacted by COVID-19. Visit TAFE Queensland for more information. |
Worker Transition scheme and rapid response | The Worker Transition Scheme and rapid response provides a suite of information and support services for those workers who may find themselves without work as a result of business closures or redundancy programs. For help in accessing the appropriate services, call 13 QGOV (13 74 68). Visit the Queensland Government website for more information. |
Changes to temporary work visa arrangements | The Federal Government has issued a series of changes to temporary visa holders in response to current events. Visit the Australian Government website for more information. |
Guidance and Support
Support | Details |
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Seek help to reduce your expenses | If you have lost your job, or are worried about losing your job, it makes sense to reduce your expenses where possible. Queensland Government and organisations are moving to help people achieve this.
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Job searching and career guidance | In addition to job seeking websites, there are a variety of government-based support services available: |
Checking your rights and entitlements | Understand your rights and entitlements as an employee. Find out about:
If you believe you have been unfairly dismissed by your employer, contact the Fair Work Commission. |
Mental health support | If you are struggling with your mental health during this time, there are a variety of government-based support services available.
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Domestic and family violence Support | If you are experiencing domestic or family violence, find out about available information and services.
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