The Australian Government has announced a new Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package to assist working parents and child care centres during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The relief package, to take effect from Monday, 6 April 2020, will include weekly payments to be made directly to early childhood education and care services.
This is in lieu of the Child Care Subsidy and the Additional Child Care Subsidy, to help centres keep their doors open and employees in their jobs.
Payments will be made until the end of the 2019-20 financial year and families will not be charged fees during this time.
These payments will complement the JobKeeper Payment announced by the Prime Minister on 30 March 2020.
Early childhood education and child care services do not need to apply for the payments, they will be paid automatically.
Border restrictions tighten
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has just announced tighter border control across Queensland, which came into play from midnight.
Ms Palaszczuk said anyone who was not a Queensland resident or considered exempt from the restrictions would not be able to enter the state.
“People with an exemption must have a border pass prior to crossing, except freight transport services who’ll be allowed through without one,” she said.
“Basically – no permit, no pass.”
More info on restrictions and exemptions: https://bit.ly/39xTWXf
Apply for a border pass: https://www.qld.gov.au/border-pass
Apply for a COVID-19 Rental Grant
A New rental grant for households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic has recently been released.
This grant is only available to Queenslanders who need it the most and have exhausted all other options.
The COVID-19 Rental Grant is a one-off payment of up to four weeks rent (maximum of $2000) available to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic who do not have access to other financial assistance.
The grant is paid directly to your lessor.
Council services
Bundaberg Regional Council has announced a number closures to services, venues and programs to protect against COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Council is acting on public health advice to avoid large gatherings and maintain social distancing.
Important
For updates or health advice about Coronavirus visit the Department of Health website.
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