Information for the legal profession on
COVID-19 outbreak
Update from the Business Law Section (BLS)
Since 24 March, the BLS have produced 20 submissions. Some of these submissions have been massive, requiring a review of multiple pieces of legislation, working out emergency measures needed to address the current crisis, and then advising on many more consequential changes needed to allow business to continue to function in a reasonable way. And that is on top of all the confidential briefings via tele and video conferencing with various government departments and agencies.
Incredible work has been done by our members, including the Corporations Committee and the Insolvency & Restructuring Committee. Our Executive worked tirelessly on submissions referring to electronic signatures and authentication of documents during the period of the crisis. The work that has been done by the Tax Committee, both on its own and as part of the National Tax Liaison Group (comprising members from other tax profession organisations) has been central to several of the legislative measures that have been passed by the government to address the crisis.
We are getting some good recognition of this work:
1. Tax Institute post on LinkedIn.
2. Tax institute website.
3. Recognition in the Corporate Taxpayer’s Association update.
Unfortunately, I fear we have some months to go before we are out of the current mess, but I am confident that the BLS will continue to do its part in helping our profession to be heard.
Greg Rodgers
Chair
Business Law Section
Updates from the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court
Special Measures Information Note (SMIN-1 FCoA Appeals) - Special Measures in response to COVID-19. Read more.
The Courts have released a new notice to the profession in relation to COVID-19.
Federal Circuit Court
Family Court
The Courts have a dedicated page for all COVID-19 related information for the profession at the following:
Updates from the Federal Court
Read the latest updates from the Federal Court here.
Cyber Security tips when working from home
As a key measure to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, many of us are now working from home. However, this can present cyber security challenges, particularly if it is the first time you are working remotely. Read more.
JobKeeper
For more information on the JobKeeper Payment, click here.
Coronavirus app and Whatsapp channel
The Australian Government has also released a Coronavirus app and Whatsapp channel. The app is available on both Android and iPhones. To access the Whatsapp channel, you can go to the website.
Generally for more information on Coronavirus and the government’s response, please visit: www.treasury.gov.au/coronavirus or www.australia.gov.au.
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Support
The ATO has set up an Emergency Support Infoline - 1800 806 218.
Jobs Hub website
The Federal Government has launched a site – Jobs Hub – which lists all available jobs on the internet, in a bid to help Australians out of work because of coronavirus. Read more.
