COVID-19 Emergency Response Act 2020

It’s here: COVID-19 Emergency Response Act 2020

We previously issued an alert about the Mandatory Code of Conduct introduced by the National Cabinet on 3 April 2020. The next step in that process was to enable that Code to become the law in Queensland.

That has almost occurred. On 23 April 2020 the Queensland Parliament assented to the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act 2020. You can access a copy of this Act here: https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/asmade/act-2020-013

This important legislation was delivered after the Mandatory Code of Conduct was issued by the National Cabinet. This allows the State of Queensland to make regulations to assist landlords and tenants during the COVID-19 emergency.

The main purposes of this legislation are:

1. to protect the health, safety and welfare of persons affected by the COVID-19 emergency;
2. to facilitate the continuance of public administration, judicial process, small business and other activities disrupted by the COVID-19 emergency, including by easing regulatory requirements and establishing an office of small business commissioner;
3. to provide for matters related to residential, retail and prescribed leases affected by the COVID-19 emergency; and
4. to support the Queensland rental sector during the COVID-19 emergency period.

We will update you further when the relevant regulations are made.