Published Thursday, 16 April, 2020 at 01:51 PM

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development

The Honourable Shannon Fentiman

The State Government is taking action to ensure delivery services give Queensland café and restaurants a fair go during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman said a meeting of key stakeholders would be held on Monday to address the issue of hefty delivery fees.

“The last thing we want to see struggling businesses hit with high fees from delivery companies – it’s not the Queensland way,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Many of our restaurant and café owners have been forced to shut their doors and operate solely on takeaway and delivery orders due to the COVID-19 crisis.”

“Small businesses have had to innovate and think fast, pivoting their business to online and takeaway.

“They deserve a fair go in this time of crisis.”

“Often delivery companies such Uber Eats and Deliveroo will charge businesses up to 35 per cent commission, leaving many businesses to wear the cost.”

“This is why I will bring together key stakeholders next week so we can look at how to tackle the issue of exorbitant delivery fees as a matter of urgency.

“We need our food and beverage businesses to be open, not just now but also once the economy recovers.

“They will play a driving force in kick starting local economies and job growth once the pandemic is over.”

The Minister said cafes and restaurants were experiencing downturns of up to 90 per cent.

“We aim to help small businesses by making home delivery work for them as well as for the delivery services and the customers,” she said.

Queensland’s Small Business Champion, Maree Adshead welcomed Monday’s meeting.

“Opening the lines of communication and exploring ways to better support and inform small businesses is important. As we all know, small Businesses across Queensland are doing it tough,” Ms Adshead said.

“I look forward to addressing these issues with stakeholders on Monday.”

ENDS

Media contact: Inga Williams 0439 949 719