COVID-19 has placed significant financial pressures on small businesses within Australia, and in tennis specifically, that means clubs, coaches and tennis centres. We are working closely with the Federal and State Governments to identify opportunities to support the community through this challenging time.

Financial support for you or your business may be available through a number of stimulus packages announced by the government.  To help you continue to operate your business for as long as possible, we’ve summarised some key points below. A complete list of all Government Funding Initiatives is available here.

Note that as the situation constantly changes, so too does the information relevant to your business. We’ll do our best to provide necessary updates on the Tennis Australia website.

What assistance is available for loan repayments?

The ABA has committed to a small business relief package in which banks will defer loan repayment for six months. Banks are reportedly already contacting their customers to offer assistance and any small business who is yet to be contacted is encouraged to contact their bank to apply. Full details here: https://www.ausbanking.org.au/banks-small-business-relief-package/

How can we source more cash flow for wages and other expenses? 

Through the Federal Government Stimulus package, cash flow assistance for employers involves cash payments of up $25,000, for businesses with turnovers under $50 million, and 50 per cent wage subsides for apprentices and trainees. For further information visit: https://business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/boosting-cash-flow-for-employers

Can we continue to support trainees or apprentices in our business?

The Government is supporting small business to retain their apprentices and trainees. Eligible employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of the apprentice’s or trainee’s wage paid during the nine months from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020.

For further information, visit: https://business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/supporting-apprentices-and-trainees

What help can we expect in the future?

While the situation is constantly changing, the Federal Government has signalled that a second round of stimulus is coming for sectors bearing the brunt of the economic shock triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. This includes airlines, tourism, events, arts and sport – which may translate to further assistance for those impacted in the tennis community, including our clubs and coaches. We will continue to keep the tennis community updated on any announcements.

Where can I access the most detailed and up-to-date information?

The most detailed and up-to-date information on financial support available to businesses can be found on the Australian Government’s treasury website. https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus

Insurance FAQs

Will our club be insured under the National Insurance Program during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The usual operations of the club will continue to be insured within the scope of the National Insurance Program.  However, this coverage may not extend to any losses that specifically arise in relation in relation to any COVID-19 related illnesses or events.

We recommend that clubs continue to abide by government requirements and directions.  Clubs may not be insured for losses if they fail to adhere to directives.

Should there be a recommendation from Tennis Australia or your Member Association in relation to the continuation or cessation of tennis activities, due consideration should be given to those recommendations to ensure that customers, employees and third parties are not put at risk and that you continue to maintain your insurance coverage in relation to non-COVID-19 related claims that may arise.

If someone visits our club and subsequently contracts COVID-19, will I be sued?

This is unlikely, provided all insured persons act reasonably and adhere to their duty of care.

It would be necessary for anyone suing a person or club for failing to protect third parties from infection to prove that the person or club committed a negligent act or omission, such as not providing vital information. It would also be difficult for a person to prove that their attendance at the club was actually the cause of them contracting COVID-19. If liability were established, insurance coverage may be triggered subject to compliance with government requirements and directions.

If a club member or other insured person contracts COVID-19, will our insurance policy cover them?

Insurance policies provide cover for injury only whilst undertaking activities related to tennis.  There is no sickness cover provided with the policy for illness or disease that was not sustained by undertaking activities related to tennis.

Our club or professional shop is insured for property damage/ business interruption. Are we able to claim for lost income due to a forced shut down?

As property insurance wording differs from policy to policy, please contact your insurer directly to see if you are covered.

Am I entitled to workers compensation if I contract COVID-19?

To claim workers compensation for a loss arising because of the virus, the insured would need to demonstrate that he or she (through no fault of their own) was exposed to COVID-19 at work. If an employee contracts the virus because of exposure outside of an employment setting, workers compensation coverage may not be available.

*Please note that this is a guideline only. If you believe your circumstances are different and you may be eligible for cover or compensation, please contact Marsh on the below details.

Phone: 1300 130 373

Email: [email protected]

Webpage: www.marshadvantage.com.au/tennisau