Released 22/01/2021
The Commercial Tenancies Relief, which was initiated to support local businesses and commercial property landlords affected by COVID-19, will come to an end as planned on 31 January 2021.
“The past year has been a challenging one for Canberrans, including local businesses that suffered from the pandemic,” Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said.
“The Commercial Tenancies Relief, which was designed to help preserve ACT businesses during the toughest periods of COVID-19, assisted hundreds of local businesses.
“As our city recovers and business starts to return, the needs of our business community are changing so we need to ensure the support Government provides is appropriate to the circumstances.”
Businesses will continue to receive ACT Government support through other COVID-19 recovery measures, including mediation assistance through the COVID-19 Local Business Commissioner.
Commissioner Brendan Smyth, who supported over 400 businesses to renegotiate rental agreements throughout 2020, will continue to provide support for tenants and landlords seeking to come to an agreement beyond 31 January 2021.
Attorney-General Rattenbury encouraged commercial tenants and landlords to continue working together and adjusting leasing arrangements as necessary.
“It’s in the continued interests of all Canberrans, including landlords, to help and support our local businesses through COVID-19 and the challenges that remain,” Attorney General Rattenbury said.
“The Government will do our part to kick start the journey to recovery in the ACT, and we encourage tenants and landlords to do what they can to support one another along the way.”
For more information regarding the ACT Government’s COVID-19 Recovery measures, visit https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/business-and-work/economic-survival-package/supporting-local-businesses-and-the-economy.
For more information on Commercial Tenancies Relief, visit act.gov.au/commercial-tenancies.
- Statement ends -
Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases