The Victorian Government has become the second state to issue relief policies, largely keeping with the NSW announcement Wednesday in bringing concessions to foster rent relief and relaxed licence fees.
Premier Daniel Andrews’ government is providing $420 million by way of land tax relief for commercial and residential landlords, on condition they pass on rent reductions to eligible tenants during the coronavirus pandemic.
Freeholders can be granted a 25 per cent reduction on their land tax bill for 2020, and deferral on any outstanding payments until March 2021.
Commercial landlords will be required to provide rental relief for tenants that have suffered at least 30 per cent reduction in trade as a result of COVID-19, as per the JobKeeper regulations. There will also be a freeze on rent increases and ban on evictions, similar to the NSW policies.
Both states’ policies continue the sentiments of Prime Minister Scott Morrison, encouraging landlords and businesses to negotiate terms according to their own circumstances.
“More than ever, we need to be working in partnership,” said Premier Andrews.
Both states are also offering ‘fast-tracked’ mediation to what is expected be an influx of disputes, and NSW has gone so far as to provide additional funding for the mediation services.
Businesses in Victoria with disputes will need to contact the Victorian Small Business Commission.
The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) has also announced a range of tax relief measures to help support licensed venues during the crisis.
Venues that have already paid their 2020 licence renewal fee will be reimbursed, via cheque from the State Revenue Office.
For those that haven’t yet paid, the fee will be waived for 2020. Licensees yet to pay who do want to renew their licence need to advise the VCGLR: contact@vcglr.vic.gov.au
Subject: ‘Liquor licence renewal waiver’
Include: Licence or permit number