Queensland Government extends moratorium on commercial lease evictions

The Queensland Government has announced a three month extension to the moratorium on commercial lease evictions, carrying the measure through to 31 December 2020. 

Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman said the extended moratorium will be “a shot in the arm” for Queensland jobs, and the State’s economy. 

“It means that to the end of 2020 commercial leaseholders under affected leases can’t have their lease terminated if they fall into arrears as a result of the coronavirus pandemic” she said, noting that since the introduction of the moratorium in March, “landlords and tenants have worked together in good faith to tackle the economic challenges we’re facing.”

“This extension is about giving businesses, and the thousands of workers they employ, the certainty they need in these challenging times. It’s about supporting jobs and keeping people in work as Queensland builds towards economic recovery” Ms Fentiman said.

Queensland businesses who have not yet applied to receive support under the measure are still able to do so, with Ms Fentiman encouraging those who need support to reach out. 

“Our small business Commissioner, Maree Adshead, has been doing a fantastic job mediating small business leasing disputes” she said, outling that since opening in late May, the Small Business Commissioner’s office “has already assisted hundreds of leasing disputes.”

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