Further to previous information provided in 16 April QHA Update, the National Cabinet developed the MANDATORY CODE OF CONDUCT / SME COMMERCIAL LEASING PRINCIPLES DURING COVID-19. The purpose of this Code is to impose a set of good faith leasing principles for application to commercial tenancies between owners/operators/other landlords and tenants.
Click HERE to download copy of the Code.
This Industry Code of Practice legislation was passed yesterday and establishes a Queensland Small Business Commissioner to support mediation and dispute resolution for businesses:
Commissioner to help Queensland small business recover
A Queensland Small Business Commissioner will be appointed to give small businesses a single point of contact for leasing disputes during recovery from the impact of COVID-19.
Minister for Employment and Small Business, Shannon Fentiman, said the new Small Business Commissioner will be appointed until the end of 2020 to provide much-needed dispute resolution support during this crucial time.
- The Commissioners role will meet the needs of small business and provide them with valuable advice and assistance in relation to resolving disputes.
- Establishing a single point of contact for small businesses handling leasing disputes will result in time, money and resource savings for business owners and government.
- Introducing a Small Business Commissioner will align Queensland with every other state and their role will assist with Queensland’s implementation of the National Cabinet Mandatory Code of Conduct - SME Leasing Principles during COVID-19.
Work on establishing the office of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner will begin immediately after the passing of the legislative amendments.
