COVID-19 Resources

FCA News and Media

Covid-19 is presenting unprecedented challenges to franchise businesses, and the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) has engaged deeply at all levels of government both informally and formally in recent months, including:

• facilitating COVID-safe business recovery by emphasising the specific assistance and regulatory changes needed by diverse business sectors
• bringing bad commercial leasing practices and landlord misconduct to their attention and urging government intervention
• reinforcing the need for fairness in application of operating rules across sectors, including highlighting disparity between public and private outdoor workers
• encouraging Federal Treasury and state governments to introduce or continue support for struggling businesses and workers facing unemployment
• making submissions on specific issues to various state government small business departments on business restrictions, exemptions, customer registers and industrial relations

The FCA will continue to provide resources, representation and ongoing support to members during this pandemic.

Business Support and Information

JobKeeper Payment for employers and employees

The JobKeeper Payment scheme is a subsidy for businesses significantly affected by coronavirus (COVID-19). Find out more at www.ato.gov.au/General/JobKeeper-Payment/

Federal Government support initiatives

Find financial assistance, eligibility and timing for the new Federal Government support for Australian businesses here.

State government business assistance 

Refer to your local state government for the latest responses to the coronavirus pandemic here.

Support Services

Beyond Blue offers the following wellbeing advice in relation to the feelings of anxiety, distress and concern many people may be experiencing in relation to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

1. Advice on looking after your mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak.
2. Moderated forums: coping during the coronavirus outbreak

Government Information

Australian Government 

The Federal Government’s www.australia.gov.au site provides the latest COVID‑19 news, updates and advice from Australian Government agencies.

State and Territory Governments

For information for businesses about COVID-19 provided by Australia’s State and Territory Governments, please click on the links below.

Victorian Government information

New South Wales Government information

Queensland Government information

South Australian Government information

Western Australian Government information

Tasmanian Government information

Northern Territory Government information

ACT Government information