There is now a published code of conduct, agreed by the national cabinet. While the states and territories need to legislate to the requirements, there is nothing stopping retailers taking steps now to negotiate with their landlord.
- Click here for a copy of the cabinet agreed mandatory code.
- Click here for an ABC news link to the story.
- Click here to see a letter from Michaelia Cash Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business
Key to making your case will be data, proving your situation. It will not be enough to say you are down and that you need help.
There are some retail newsagents today not experiencing any downturn. While some of these may be frustrated that they cannot make a case for a rent break right now, their growth today should be celebrated as many are not in that situation.
Given that the code is directly connected to the Job Keeper program, we need to see the detail of that once federal parliament meets today.