16 April COVID-19 Update
Today, I want to counter some of the REIQ’s comments about our renter’s assistance package
One. We are not introducing rent waivers for every renter during this emergency.
- We are introducing a process for both tenants and landlords to negotiation a rent deferral, rent reduction or rent waiver for tenants ONLY who have lost their jobs or incomes due to the COVID-19 emergency
- It is about negotiation – both sides coming together to work out a solution.
Two. A tenant may need to substantiate their need for a reduction.
- This could be a confirmation from Centrelink or a certificate of separation.
- You should NOT give out sensitive personal financial information, such as a bank statement or a superannuation balance statement.
Three. We do not want, in this time of COVID-19, to have people coming through houses if they do not need to be there.
- Non-essential inspections and maintenance should be stopped or deferred, especially if there is someone in the house who is at higher risk.
- Emergency work can be done
Fourthly, there is a one week’s cap of “break lease” payments for tenants.
- This only applies to people who end their tenancy due to the financial impact of COVID-19, during the time of the emergency.
Today we have a great announcement for those people who have lost their jobs during the COVID 19 emergency
- We have launched a new online portal that will match Queenslanders with available jobs.
- A key focus of the portal will be on matching them with new jobs that are being created, especially those in areas of critical service delivery.
- Some of the key industries with current job opportunities include: Agriculture; Call centres, Food production; Logistics; and Manufacturing;
- The portal is the first initiative to come into effect as part of the $500 million Worker Assistance Package announced by the Deputy Premier in March.
- Also on the portal are details about $10 million for free online training in TAFE courses for workers who have lost their job due to COVID-19
