As lockdowns continue in Victoria and across the Country, your Association has been calling for a clear strategy of when and how border and other restrictions will be removed. We have been working with all Governments to establish what the road to recovery looks like and establish clearer communications with the business community. Our ask is simple - businesses need to know what they should be looking for within the daily numbers so we can plan to kick start the economy.
I, like many of our members, am frustrated by the lack of a clear plan and clarity on the path to success to restart our businesses. Of course the primary focus must be protecting lives but we need to find the balance that allows us to live more normally with this virus so that we are also protecting jobs and livelihoods, especially given the reality that any vaccine is still a long way off.
I also remain concerned that the political landscape, when seen through an election lens, further skews the decision making. Polling data from Queensland and Tasmania shows they want the restrictions to continue and they believe they are better off as a community if the hard border continues. We saw a significant swing in the recent election in the Northern Territory to the Government where Territorians voted in droves to continue the existing hard borders which the Liberal/National opposition was saying it would pull down.
While it is not what we want to hear nor believe should be the case, it is important that we reflect on this fact as to why Governments are not supporting the relaxation of restrictions. However, this does present an opportunity for each of us that are dependent on open borders. Speak to your neighbours, friends and relatives and remind them that without an open border, our businesses and jobs are at risk and without us, Australia’s tourism sector is at risk.
In the coming weeks we will be publicly and loudly supporting those politicians that support our sector and we will not stop until our domestic borders are open.
As always the team of the Accommodation Association is here to help and should you require assistance on any matter, please don't hesitate to contact us on 02 8666 9015 or mail@aaoa.com.au.
Regards, Dean Long
CEO - Accommodation Association
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COVID-19 Training Program
The Accommodation Association is offering our members a new COVID-19 training program. Be one step ahead and give your customers the confidence that your staff have had COVID-19 training and understand protocols needed to ensure safety for everyone.
This is a non-accredited program and covers the below areas and more!
- infection prevention and control procedures
- use of personal protective equipment
- handling of waste
- enforcing clean and contaminated zones
- limitation of contamination
- surface cleaning
- personal and hand hygiene:
- glove use
- wearing gowns and waterproof aprons
- wearing masks
Contact the team for more details on mail@aaoa.com.au or call us on (02) 86669015 or visit our website aaoa.com.au under academy link to log in.
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Extension of JobKeeper and State measures
Following significant industry advocacy, the Federal Government announced the extension of JobKeeper to the end of March 2021. We also advocated strongly for the supporting Fair Work measures. Federal Parliament will legislate changes to the Job Keeper and Job Seeker packages this week as they resume sitting.
The Association has now written to all State Premiers/Chief Ministers to seek a continuation of relief measures for the accommodation sector in line with JobKeeper extension. These measures include payroll tax waivers; extension of Mandatory Tenancy Code measures; reduction in physical distancing requirements to 2sqm; clear policy on the application of enhanced health and border measures.
We have already commenced meetings in each state outlining the rationale and potential impacts, with clear indications that states are active in reviewing the extension of relief measures.
Please click here to continue reading.
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COVID-19 new Government Resources
Safe Work Australia has developed a new guide to help businesses decide how to manage the risk of COVID-19 in the workplace.
The Guide provides practical guidance for work health and safety (WHS) duty holders about how to work safely during the pandemic.
It can be used by any duty holders under the model WHS laws who have a role in managing the risk of COVID-19, including persons conducting a business or undertaking, persons with management or control of the workplace and officers.
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Dept of Education, Skills and Employment’s (DESE) Infection Control Training Fund
The Federal and State Governments have established an $80 million infection control training fund. The states and territories have now entered into contracts with select registered training organisations to deliver the subsidised training. There are over 170 training organisations that have been contracted by the states and territories to deliver the training on a fee free or low cost basis.
The Emergency Response Subcommittee of the Australian Industry and Skills Committee was responsible for the development of the new infection prevention and control skill sets. Current skill sets include:
- Infection Control Skills for Retail
- Infection Control Skills for Transport and Logistics
- Infection Control Skills for Food Handling
- Cross sector Infection control skill set – this can be contextualised to suit a range of industries inclusive Accommodation.
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Advice from the ATO on Extension of JobKeeper
Following the publication of the Coronavirus Response Package (Payments and Benefits) Amendment Rules (no.7) 2020, the ATO has implemented the following changes effective from 3 August 2020. These changes include:
- employees’ eligibility for the JobKeeper Payment can now be assessed in reference to 1 July 2020.
- employees can now be nominated by alternative employers if their employment has changed since the JobKeeper Payment began. However, they can still only be nominated by one employer at any given time.
- for the fortnights commencing on 3 and 17 August 2020, employers have until 31 August 2020 to meet the wage condition for new eligible employees under the 1 July eligibility test.
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Victoria Update
On the 4th August 2020, the Victorian Premier announced that Victoria would implement Stage 4 restrictions for Metropolitan Melbourne and Stage 3 for Regional Victoria including Mitchell Shire LGA. This will be in place until the 13th September 2020. Stage 4 Restrictions included enhanced Health Orders and several hotels are forced to closed.
We are pleased to say that our advocacy efforts resulted in the Department of Health and Human Services confirming that accommodation providers could remain open for essential reasons other than government programs.
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Disciplining JobKeeper Employees who Won’t Work
The JobKeeper scheme continues to dominate the Association’s IR Helpdesk services. Commonly, members are seeking guidance in dealing with employees refusing to work whilst in receipt of JobKeeper payments.
Here is a general overview of these issues
The facts are that employees have a legal obligation to perform work in accordance with the JobKeeper enabling directions, and if they refuse without a reasonable and valid reason, employers are entitled to commence disciplinary proceedings, which in some circumstances could include termination of employment.
What is a reasonable refusal?
Determining a valid reason is often difficult. Here are indicative situations where a refusal to work could be considered reasonable or valid.
- With the employer’s consent, a stood-down employee has taken on training or professional development at the employee’s cost and is unable to rearrange the training schedule.
- An employee whose school or childcare centre has closed, and no other suitable person is available to mind the children.
Please click here to continue reading.
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Question: Are visa holders eligible for JobKeeper payments?
Answer: A visa holder will be eligible for JobKeeper payments if they held a permanent residency visa as at 1 March 2020, or if they are a New Zealand citizen in Australia as a holder of a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) as at 1 March 2020. They must also be a resident for Australian tax purposes as at 1 March 2020.
Question: If a TSS or 457 Visa holder resigns, or if I terminate their employment, do I need to notify the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) or is that the employee’s responsibility?
Answer: As a Standard Business Sponsor, you have an obligation to notify the DHA within 28 days if a sponsored employee’s employment ceases.
Question: I employ visa holders. Where do I stand on reducing their work hours?
Answer: You can reduce a visa holder’s work hours, regardless of whether they are a sponsored employee (e.g. TSS or 457 Visa holder) or if they hold a different type of visa (e.g. Student Visa or Partner Visa). For sponsored employees, this was previously an option only for 457 Visa holders but the DHA has recently advised that – due to the COVID-19 pandemic – businesses can currently reduce the work hours of any sponsored employee without the person being in breach of their visa conditions or the business being in breach of their sponsor obligations.
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Upcoming Webinars
- 17th September - Innovation & Customer Growth in the Age of COVID-19
Join our free webinar on creating a Customer Experience & Innovation Program in response to Covid-19. There has never been a more important time to activate or accelerate a customer and innovation program.
In this webinar Robynne Berg – Director thinkplayact – will look at the fundamentals and show the critical steps that need to be taken to activate or accelerate Customer Experience & innovation in the age of Covid-19.
Our website is constantly being updated with information on upcoming webinars and you should regularly check for new webinars being added. You can check it at any time here.
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Hostplus - A message from our CEO
I hope you’re managing well in these extraordinary times. July marked the start of a new financial year; one that will hopefully present fewer challenges and hardships for our world, nation, and local communities.
Please click here to read more.
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Early Release Scheme Update
As of 23 August 2020, Hostplus had processed 380,147 early release of superannuation (ERS) applications, totalling over $2.75 billion.
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Leonards Advertising - Your partner in Advertising and Web Services
Leonards Advertising, one of Australia’s most experienced and enduring agencies, provides full-service across digital, creative, media planning and website development. Wholly owned and Australian based, our unwavering commitment in partnering with clients, offers depth and proven experience unlike any other agency in this market.
Speak with us today on on 02 9698 5266 or info@leonards.net.au about how we can cost-effectively help grow your business revenue.
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Helping you and your business respond to COVID-19
Our trusted advisors and accountants are fully resourced to support you remotely through this time.
- Cash flow budgeting
- Assistance with refinancing
- Government grant application
- Rent relief application
- Land tax relief application
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13things to deliver your goods, takeaway food or that birthday cake that just has to get across town!
The HSP Hygiene Sanitisation Program
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ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions Wins Top Spot at HotelTechAwards 2020 for Best Mobile Key Solution
Industry-leading pioneer of mobile access technology voted best provider of digital key functionality by hospitality customers around the world.
Read the full article here.
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Data-driven solutions that empower your business
Our global data and analytics services set the hospitality industry standard and inform your decisions through insights into your market and competition.
Please click here to check five things to take from the latest accommodation performance.
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Hospitality workers pivoting during COVID-19
Hannah and Zoe wanted to provide people with an affordable, good quality, locally made face mask. Their masks are made out of 100% cotton and it is the most breathable fabric. All their masks are 3 layered and in line with Government guidelines.
Please click here to discover how these 2 lovely ladies are turning challenges into opportunities.
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Revenue Management: 15 Insights to Navigate Market Uncertainty
During any recovery phase, albeit currently an unpredictable one, revenue management is critically important as it draws upon analytical and innovative expertise to plan for and react with speed to a range of “scenarios” that could unfold.
Please click here to read more.
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Hospitality Cleaning Model - Post COVID-19
As we eagerly look forward to a return to life and business as we know it, we have to manage our own expectations. We cannot take all that we have experienced and learnt and expect no changes.
We are eager to collaborate with your business on a cleaning solution post COVID-19 to ensure the safety and well-being of those in your staff and customer experience circle.
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