COVID-19 News

Rehiring an employee who was an ‘eligible employee’ on 1 March 2020

28 May 2020

MTA NSW Employment Relations have been approached by Members who wish to re-hire an employee for the JobKeeper Scheme, who was an ‘eligible employee’ on 1 March 2020 with the employer but are no longer an employee. In other words, our Members would like to re-employ a former employee who was an ‘eligible employee’ on 1 March 2020 and receive the wage subsidy from the ATO

Exemptions for Heavy Vehicle Drivers at Rest Stops

02 Apr 2020

The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and the National Cabinet have approved an exemption for roadhouses, dedicated truck stop facilities and truck driver lounges to remain open so Australia’s heavy vehicle drivers have access to showers, restrooms and facilities to undertake their mandated fatigue management breaks.

Public Health Order – Leaving Home

01 Apr 2020

The New South Wales State Government released on the evening of the 30th March, 2020 an updated Public Health Order (PHO) being Public Health (COVID – 19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020. The essence of the new PHO was to state that people “must not, without reasonable excuse, leave a persons’ place of residence”. The PHO goes onto to set out a number of exceptions to this blanket rule.

Border Closures NSW/QLD Border Crossings - Covid – 19

25 Mar 2020

Members will have heard that the Queensland Government has announced further restrictions on people movement into and out of the state of Queensland, to assist in the prevention of the spreading of Covid-19 virus. These new measures commence at 12midnight this evening the 25th March, 2020. It is important that Members appreciate that exceptions to these rules apply to the normal operation of their businesses. The measures to take effect are:

MTA NSW Welcomes Both Federal and State Government Stimulus Packages

23 Mar 2020

The Motor Traders’ Association of NSW (MTA NSW), an Employers Association representing over 3,000 automotive businesses in NSW, has welcomed both the Federal Government and NSW Government recent stimulus measures, citing a number of benefits for its Members.

Good Hygiene Practices When Servicing Customers’ Vehicles

20 Mar 2020

There is evidence that the Caronavirus (COVID-19) spreads from person to person. Some reports suggest the virus can last for several days on surfaces including plastics found in vehicles. Good Hygiene can prevent infection from coronavirus as well as the common flu.

NSW Government Announces $2.3 Billion Health Boost and Economic Stimulus

17 Mar 2020

As you may be aware, the NSW Government today a major $2.3 billion health boost and economic stimulus package to protect the community and help protect jobs in response to the current Coronavirus situation. This package has two key components: $1.6 billion in tax cuts to support jobs and $700 million in extra health funding.

Federal Government Economic Response to the Coronavirus

13 Mar 2020

As you would be aware, the Federal Government recently announced an economic stimulus package in response to the current Coronavirus situation. This assistance is designed to support businesses to manage cash flow and help businesses retain their employees and are specifically designed to support small and medium businesses. Small businesses will also receive a wage subsidy for apprentices and trainees to help retain a skilled workforce.