Updated 24 April 2020.

Over the past couple of weeks, the Federal Government has announced a code of conduct for Landlords and Tenants, and the Victorian State Government has announced a $500 million package to assist Commercial and Residential Landlords and Tenants.  

The legislation was passed by Parliament on Thursday 23 April, and includes:

  • A temporary ban on evictions 
  • Pausing rental increases for 6 months 
  • Land tax relief of 25% for Landlords (if they provide rent relief to tenants) 
  • Rent relief for Tenants with financial hardship, who; 
  • Have had a 30% reduction in turnover 
  • Have less than $5,000 in savings 
  • Pay at least 30% of their income in rent 

Businesses in the Greater Hamilton region are sharing with our team the challenges they are facing during this pandemic. Confusion over the information and conflicting advice they are receiving from advisors and media is causing frustrations, but we are here to help.

The Landlords and Tenants Package is included in our Quick Reference Guide,  which we are updating constantly (up to Version 7 as of late April), to help you access an in-a-nutshell version of the financial support you may be eligible for, and provide accurate links direct to source. 

If you’re a local business and you’re unsure if you have received the correct advice, or need a little guidance, we can connect you with free, independent and confidential 1:1 support. Colin Thompson, our Small Business Assistance and Support Officer, is on the other end of a phone call to discuss your options. 

Contact our Business Development Officer, Daniel Shaw, to arrange a chat with Colin, and discuss other ways Southern Grampians Shire Council’s Economic Development & Tourism Team are able to offer assistance.  

E: ecodev@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au 

P: 0429 578 216. 

You can access the Quick Reference Guide and other resources on our Business & Tourism Support Hub, and local businesses should join the Greater Hamilton Business & Tourism COVID-19 Facebook Group and stay connected.

Colin Thompson is helping local businesses through free 1:1 consultations, call us to arrange a phone chat and see Colin’s experience on his Small Business Mentoring Service profile.