The Hon Yvette D'Arth MP
The Attorney-General, Minister for Justice& Leader of the House
More support for Queensland Clubs
In July I announced thousands of jobs in the Queensland club sector would be better protected with gaming taxes from March 2020 now deferred until 2021.
Like other economies around the world, here in Queensland we have been dealing with the impacts of the global coronavirus pandemic.
While Queensland has done a terrific job in flattening the COVID-19 infection curve, we now face an enormous economic recovery challenge.
I know it will take some time, but Queenslanders are resilient. I’m optimistic that our liquor and gaming industries will recover and thrive, allowing what many consider to be the heart of their communities – our community clubs - to slowly, steadily re-establish.
The previous deferral of March 2020 gaming taxes was due to expire on July 10. This extra deferral will help improve cash-flow for clubs emerging from coronavirus restrictions and better protect the jobs of hospitality workers.
Repayments for gaming taxes incurred in March 2020 will now be repaid in three equal instalments in February 2021, April 2021 and June 2021 with further information on how and when this will occur outlined on the Business Queensland website.
This latest relief package represents almost $50 million in deferrals for Queensland clubs and pubs for the period when they were hardest hit by coronavirus.
Around 50 licensees (including hotels) who have already paid their gaming machine taxes for March have had a total of $1.4 million returned to them.
This comes on top of the $22.7 million the Palaszczuk Government has already waived in liquor licensing renewal fees for 2020-21.
The latest taxation relief for clubs and pubs are part of a wider support package to help Queensland businesses unite and recover from coronavirus, including:
- payroll tax deferrals and refunds
- small business grants
- low interest loans, and
- energy rebates.
The Queensland Government is committed to working in partnership with the private sector to get Queenslanders back to work, and as such released the Queensland Economic Recovery Strategy: Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs (go to
www.covid19.qld.gov.au).
Already underway, the strategy’s immediate priorities are:
- building vital infrastructure
- strengthening Queensland’s industries, and
- enabling future growth.
A domestic tourism campaign, officially unveiled in June, encourages Queenslanders to holiday at home, while further funding for tourism infrastructure also underpins industry relief.
We know that tourism and the hospitality industry support a large slice of Queensland jobs, and safeguarding these jobs is a major priority for the government.
The message to Queenslanders is clear and simple – as the restrictions continue to ease, get out and explore your own state. We want as many people as permitted under the Queensland Chief Health Officer’s directives to take that day trip or holiday and visit the Queensland venues they love to frequent or have long been on their wish lists.
I will continue to consult with industry bodies such as Clubs Queensland, working together to achieve the best outcomes for our liquor and gaming businesses.
This latest relief package represents almost $50 million in deferrals for Queensland clubs and pubs for the period when they were hardest hit by coronavirus.