Award varied again for extension of Schedule X – pandemic leave

The General Retail Industry Award 2010 has been varied again following from an application to extend the Schedule X – pandemic leave provisions. The Award was previously varied to extend the operation of Schedule X to 31 July, however under the latest variation, operation of Schedule X has been extended to 30 September 2020.

New JobKeeper arrangement – extension beyond September and changes to rates proposed

With the initial phase of the JobKeeper program due to conclude in September 2020, the Government has announced a second phase which will extend the program for an additional six months through to 28 March 2021, with a lower two-tier payment structure and a requirement to retest employer eligibility. These proposed changes will not impact […]

NSW Covid-19 safety plans

The NSW government has released a set of COVID-19 safety plans. Once Newsagents complete the plan, they can register the plan through the NSW government and then are offered a COVID SAFE logo which can be displayed in your shop, on email and in advertising including social media.

Rural Financial Counselling Service available to Newsagents across regional NSW

The federal government recently announced an additional $4.785 million to provide eligible small regional businesses affected by COVID-19 with access to free and confidential financial counselling.

NSW Lotteries over-reach on social distancing requirements

Newsagents have received a box of supplies from NSW Lotteries/Tabcorp including a four page directive on the use of social distancing resources. NANA agrees that NSW Lotteries/Tabcorp should give Newsagents as much support as possible, but, making the use of some of the resources mandatory and subject to “compliance programs” is over the top as far […]

NSW government $3,000 business recovery grant may not apply to most Newsagents

Applications will open on 1 July to help businesses safely relaunch their operations with funds remaining from the $750 million Small Business Support Fund. The Small Business Recovery Grant can only be used for expenses from 1 July and where no other Government support is available. More information will be made available on the Service […]

NSW Lotteries and Tabcorp late to the party over sneeze guards

In what many Newsagents have described as a “too little – too late” response, NSW Lotteries is asking Newsagents with lotteries outlets to complete an “Expression of Interest” to obtain temporary sneeze guards which are expected to be delivered in late June or early July.

Government support packages – go to the source for information

JobKeeper There have been changes to the federal government’s JobKeeper program which allow employers to claim under the scheme even though they may not have previously registered. Employers still need to qualify but the changes allow for different monthly outcomes since the scheme was introduced. Just because an employer didn’t qualify in the first month […]

Assistance with commercial leave negotiations – COVID-19 and under “normal” conditions

NANA is able to assist Members requiring assistance with negotiations over commercial lease reductions as a result of eligibility under the National Code and State and Territory legislation and regulations.

Covid-19 impacted retail and commercial tenancies

With the NSW and ACT governments yet to enact legislation to support the National Cabinet Mandatory Code of Conduct – Commercial Leasing Principles During Covid-19, NANA has worked with Australian Retail Lease Management to update Members on the latest available advice on how they should be approaching negotiations on rent and lease relief.

COVID19