The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is an international health emergency which not only impacts the safety of our Indigenous communities but also the growing Indigenous business sector.

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The global economy has been severely impacted and Indigenous businesses are also feeling the effect. During the downturn, paying debts, keeping employees, meeting obligations of contracts, leases and loan repayments must all be managed. Checking your cash flow is key to getting through these hard times. It is essential that Indigenous business owners make informed decisions about keeping their business going during the pandemic.

This guidebook provides general advice on the legal issues arising from the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. If you need specific legal advice, please contact us to discuss your matter.

The guidebook covers:

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1. What is the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

2. Work Health and Safety (WHS): Meeting your WHS obligations as an employer.

3. Managing employees when things get tight: Working from home; options for leave.

4. Business health: Checking your cashflow; insolvency; director’s duties; bankruptcy; and business support.

5. Managing contracts: Rights and obligations; termination; force majeure; frustration.

6. Privacy, IP and ICIP considerations: Your obligations as an employer under the Privacy Act; protecting intellectual property (IP) and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) rights.