The coronavirus has quickly become a global health concern. The impact on the health of individuals and business sustainability throughout the global community is unprecedented.
Note: We are endeavouring to keep the content on this website as up to date as possible, the news is shifting fast.
Responding to the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic the Federal & State Governments have released billions of dollars with stimulus packages aimed at helping Australian individuals and businesses transition through a period of economic retraction.
Each stimulus package is targeted to benefit individuals and businesses most affected by the Coronavirus with the financial support they need to recover during these difficult times and keep Australian’s working.
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JobKeeper Payment for Employers and Employees
Last update: 21/07/2020
The Government is extending the JobKeeper Payment by a further six months to March 2021. Support will be targeted to businesses and not-for-profits that continue to be significantly impacted by the Coronavirus. The payment rate will be reduced and a lower payment rate will be introduced for those who work fewer hours. Other eligibility rules remain unchanged.
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Night-time economy support program – Victoria
Last update: 14/07/2020
In Victoria – The State Government has launched a business support fund to help the hardest-hit businesses in the night time hospitality industry
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Regional Tourism Accommodation Support Program – Victoria
Last update: 14/07/2020
In Victoria – The State Government is providing support to regional accommodation businesses affected by cancelled bookings caused by current restrictions.
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CBD Business Support Fund – Victoria
Last update: 14/07/2020
In Victoria – The State Government is creating a business support fund to help small businesses in Melbourne CBD that are struggling under continued restrictions.
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Business Support Fund Expansion – Victoria
Last update: 13/07/2020
In Victoria – The Government is providing $5000 grants to businesses impacted by the renewed restrictions within metropolitan Melbourne and Mithcell Shire.
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HomeBuilder Package
Last update: 04/06/2020
The Federal Government will help owner-occupiers build or renovate their homes as part of the HomeBuilder package.
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80 Cent an Hour Tax Shortcut For Working From Home Due To COVID-19
Last update: 08/04/2020
Australians working from home due to the Coronavirus pandemic will be able to claim an 80 cent per hour tax deduction for expenses incurred whilst working from home. This deduction can be applied from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2020.
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Relief for Commercial Tenants
Last update: 08/04/2020
The government has announced a mandatory code of conduct for commercial tenancies to support SME’s that are affected by the coronavirus and using JobKeeper.
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Grant for Small Businesses – NSW
Last update: 07/04/2020
NSW Government announces grants of up to $10,000 to provide rapid financial relief administered through Service NSW to those businesses struggling due to the COVID-19 slowdown.
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Childcare Relief Package
Last update: 06/04/2020
The recently announced childcare payment under the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package is a payment to support Child Care Services to stay open ensuring continued services to those parents that need it.
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Free Childcare for Parents
Last update: 09/06/2020
The government has announced a free childcare program where they will reimburse the childcare centres the gap payment usually required. This will be backdated to 23 March and will come into effect Monday, 6 April 2020.
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JobKeeper Payment for Sole Traders
Last update: 01/04/2020
The government is providing a JobKeeper payment of $1500 per eligible employee, per fortnight to eligible sole traders for up to 6 months. The aim is to support sole traders to maintain their income and relationship with their employees. A sole trader may be eligible if their turnover has reduced due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.
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$17,500 Grant for Small to Medium Businesses – WA
Last update: 30/03/2020
Businesses with payroll of between $1 million and $4 million to receive a one off grant of $17,500.
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Home Improvement Scheme – Northern Territory
Last update: 21/04/2020
Northern Territory residential property owners will be eligible to receive one time grants of up to $6,000 to complete permanent physical improvements to their premises if homeowners contribute $2,000 of their own money. Work can include physical improvements, repairs or maintenance services
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Access to Accrued Leave for Public Sector – SA
Last update: 31/03/2020
In SA – If a public servant has a family member who has lost their job and moved onto Commonwealth benefits, they will be able to receive their accrued leave.
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Payroll Tax Threshold Brought Forward – WA
Last update: 31/03/2020
In WA – $1 million payroll tax threshold brought forward by six months to July 1, 2020
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Business Improvement Grant – Northern Territory
Last update: 27/04/2020
All shopfront Territory businesses will be eligible to receive a one time grant of up to $10,000 to complete permanent physical improvements to their premises. Work can include buying new equipment, new shop outfits or physical changes to attract customers.
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Immediate Work Grant Program – Northern Territory
Last update: 31/03/2020
A new $5 million Immediate Work Grants program will help stimulate the economy and keep Territorians in jobs.
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Payroll Tax Exemption – Northern Territory
Last update: 31/03/2020
The payroll tax exemption for hiring Territory employees has been extended to June 30, 2021.
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Deferment of Payroll Tax until July 21, 2020 – WA
Last update: 31/03/2020
In WA – Small and Medium sized businesses affected by COVID-19 can now apply to defer payment of their 2019-20 payroll tax until July 21, 2020
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Mentoring and One-on-one Support – Queensland
Last update: 30/03/2020
Mentors are available to support impacted small businesses and will focus on financial mentoring, extending the Mentoring for Growth program.
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Cost of Living Concessions – SA
Last update: 30/03/2020
In SA – The Cost of Living concession will be boosted by $500 and be brought forward.
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Small Business Survival Fund – Northern Territory
Last update: 30/03/2020
The Small Business Survival Fund is available to eligible businesses in addition to other support, including the Jobs Rescue and Recovery Package and the Tourism Resilience Package.
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Financial Resilience Counselling and Webinars – Queensland
Last update: 30/03/2020
Training and mentoring packages are available for eligible small businesses from the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, partnering with TAFE Queensland.
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Double the Energy Assistance Package – WA
Last update: 30/03/2020
WA Government will double the EAP rebate to $600 to increase support for concession card holders, seniors in particular.
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Freeze on Household Fees and Charges – WA
Last update: 30/03/2020
Electricity, water, motor vehicle charges, the emergency services levy and public transport fares will not be increased until at least 1 July 2021.
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Community and Jobs Fund – SA
Last update: 30/03/2020
In SA – A $250 million fund created to support community organisations, sporting, arts and recreational bodies, non-profit organisations as well as some industry sectors directly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Business and Jobs Support Fund – SA
Last update: 30/03/2020
In SA – A $300 million fund created to support individual businesses and industry sectors directly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Waiving Liquor Licence Fees – SA
Last update: 30/03/2020
In SA – The following categories will have their liquor licencing fees will be waived for 2020-21: On-premises; residential; restaurant and catering, club, liquor production and sales and small venue. Reduced fees for general and hotel and those applying for short term takeaway licences will have no fee.
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Land Tax Deferral – SA
Last update: 30/03/2020
In SA – Businesses and individuals, paying their land tax quarterly will be able to defer payment of their 3rd and 4th quarter for up to 6 months.
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Small and Medium Business Power Bill Relief – Queensland
Last update: 27/03/2020
Power bill relief has been announced by the Government for business enterprises that consume less than 100,000kWh. The rebate is for $500 and will be automatically applied to energy bills.
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Fees and Charges Relief for Hospitality Providers Impacted by COVID-19 – Queensland
Last update: 06/04/2020
Hospitality providers whose business has been impacted by Coronavirus will receive fees and charges relief.
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6 Month Payroll Tax Deferral – SA
Last update: 30/03/2020
In SA – Businesses with Australian grouped payroll of up to $4 million won’t need to pay payroll tax from April to September.
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6 Month Payroll Tax Waiver – SA
Last update: 30/03/2020
In SA – Businesses with Australian grouped payroll of up to $4 million won’t need to pay payroll tax from April to September.
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Fisheries Fee Waiver – Tasmania
Last update: 28/03/2020
The Tasmanian state government has announced they have waived annual fees and levies for rock lobster, giant crab and fin fisheries as well as abalone divers, with an estimated government cost of $670,000.
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Liquor License Fees Reductions and Waivers – Tasmania
Last update: 28/03/2020
For April, May and June 2020, the Government will waive a number of lease, license and parks’ entry fees for tourism operators. This initiative will support around 300 of our hard-working tourism businesses, right around Tasmania.
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Supporting Our Tourism Industry – Tasmania
Last update: 28/03/2020
For April, May and June 2020, the Government will waive a number of lease, license and parks’ entry fees for tourism operators. This initiative will support around 300 of our hard-working tourism businesses, right around Tasmania.
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Youth Employment Scheme – Tasmania
Last update: 27/03/2020
The Tasmanian Government has recognised the positive impact young workers have on businesses, and from April 1 will introduce a Youth Employment Payroll Tax Rebate scheme to encourage businesses to hire more young people – helping keep Tassie youth employed.
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Targeted Small Business Grants Program for Apprenticeships and Traineeships – Tasmania
Last update: 27/03/2020
The targeted Small Business Grants Program provides a $5,000 grant for businesses that hire an apprentice or trainee in the tourism, hospitality, building and construction, and manufacturing industries. Funding for this measure has been brought forward.
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Payroll Tax Waivers – Tasmania
Last update: 27/03/2020
Payroll tax waivers for the hospitality, tourism and seafood sectors and for Tasmanian businesses with payrolls less than $5 million which have been impacted by coronavirus to ensure that these businesses will pay no payroll taxes for the entire 2019-20 year.
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Interest Free Business Loans for Small Business – Tasmania
Last update: 27/03/2020
$20 million in interest free loans to small businesses in the hospitality, tourism, seafood production, and exports sectors.
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Mental Health Support – Tasmania
Last update: 27/03/2020
$1 million will be provided for Mental Health Programs provided by community organisations to support individuals experiencing mental health difficulties as a result of the issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Accommodation Support for Those Who Have Been Placed On Home Quarantine – Tasmania
Last update: 27/03/2020
$1 million emergency accommodation support will be available for individuals and families who have been placed on home quarantine but who are unable to return to their regular place of residence. This will provide additional support for our communities at this difficult time.
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Accommodation Support for Frontline Workers – Tasmania
Last update: 27/03/2020
$1 million will be available for accomodation for frontline workers if they need to stay away from home, in circumstances where their family members are ill. This way, they can continue to contribute to our response in a safe way.
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Emergency Relief Payments For Those In Isolation – Tasmania
Last update: 27/03/2020
Tasmania is the first state government to announce one-off emergency relief payments for casual workers and people on low incomes forced to self-isolate. Individuals can receive $250 and $1000 for families forced to self-isolate.
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Coronavirus Payroll Tax Relief – Queensland
Last update: 01/04/2020
The Queensland government is providing businesses one or more tax relief options to help with the effects of COVID-19, including refunds of payroll tax for 2 months
a payroll tax holiday for 3 months and/or deferral of payroll tax for the 2020 calendar year or extension for those that have already applied -
Working for Victoria Fund
Last update: 27/03/2020
In Victoria – To help workers who have lost their jobs find new opportunities, the government, in consultation with the Victorian Council of Social Services and Victorian Trades Hall Council will establish a $500 million fund.
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Business Rent Relief Package – Queensland
Last update: 27/03/2020
The $7.9 million business relief package will apply to businesses and Council lessees who will have a range of fees and charges waived for the next three months.
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All Supplier Invoices Paid Within 5 Days – Victoria
Last update: 27/03/2020
In Victoria – The Government will pay all outstanding supplier invoices within 5 days.
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$200 Rebate For All Queensland Households
Last update: 27/03/2020
$200 rebate for all 2.1 million Queensland households (including the $50 Asset Ownership Dividend already announced) to offset the cost of water and electricity bills.
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Supply Chains Support and Assistance For Manufacturers – Queensland
Last update: 27/03/2020
The Queensland Government is committed to assisting Queensland manufacturers and businesses that are currently impacted by the ongoing coronavirus situation. If you are finding it difficult to obtain vital materials and supplies to remain open, please complete the form below.
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Business Support Fund – Victoria
Last update: 27/03/2020
In Victoria – The Government has provided $500 million to support small and medium businesses who have been most impacted by the COVID19 outbreak.
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Mentoring For Growth Program – Queensland
Last update: 27/03/2020
Mentoring for Growth (M4G) offers eligible businesses free access to volunteer business experts who provide insights, options and suggestions relating to challenges and opportunities you are experiencing in your business.
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Queensland COVID-19 Jobs Support Loans
Last update: 27/04/2020
The Queensland Government has made available $500 million as low interest loans of up to $250,000 to businesses and non-profits financially impacted by Coronavirus. Loans will have a fixed interest rate of 2.5% for a 10 year term with no payments for the first year and only interest payments for the second year.
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2020 Liquor Licence Fees Waived – Victoria
Last update: 27/03/2020
In Victoria – The hospitality sector will be supported by waiving liquor licensing fees for 2020 for affected venues and small businesses.
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Increased Grants For Our Arts Community – ACT
Last update: 27/03/2020
Artists may be eligible to receive funding of up to $10,000 to support arts development and the sustainability of arts practice over the next six to nine months through a $500,000 grants program.
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Social Housing Tenants – ACT #stimuluspackage
Last update: 27/03/2020
Community and non-government organisation partners have important role in supporting our community through COVID-19. The ACT Government is providing a number of measures to support them meeting increased service demand.
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Market Diversification and Resilience Grants QLD
Last update: 08/04/2020
The Queensland Government has introduced a grant program to support Queensland’s agricultural, food and fish exporters by matching purchases of new equipment and new projects.
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Fees and Charges Relief for Tourism Operators Impacted by COVID-19 – Queensland
Last update: 08/04/2020
Tourism operators will likely have a number of operation fees waived during this difficult time. So far daily operation fees between 1 February 2020 and 31 July 2020 have been waived and a the Queensland government has indicated that further fees will also be waived.
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Utilities Concession For Families and Households – ACT
Last update: 27/03/2020
The ACT Government is taking a range of actions and providing practical support, such as rebates and the freezing of some government fees to reduce pressure on household budgets.
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Rebates and Rates Freeze For Families and Households – ACT
Last update: 27/03/2020
The ACT Government is taking a range of actions and providing practical support, such as rebates and the freezing of some government fees to reduce pressure on household budgets.
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Commercial General Rates Rebate – ACT #stimuluspackage
Last update: 27/03/2020
Commercial property owners with an Average Unimproved Value of $2 million or less on their property are eligible for a rebate on their commercial rates fixed charge.
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Emergency Relief Packages For Victorians
Last update: 27/03/2020
Those in mandatory self-isolation in Victoria who have little to no food and no access to support from friends or family will be eligible to receive emergency relief packages. Packages will include 2 weeks of food and essential items.
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2020 Land Tax Payments Deferred – Victoria
Last update: 27/03/2020
IIn Victoria – Land owners that are due to pay 2020 land tax that have at least one non-residential property and total taxable landholdings below $1 million have the option of deferring their 2020 land tax payment until after 31 December 2020
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Small Business Relief Package
Last update: 27/03/2020
The ABA has announced that Australian Banks will defer principal and interest rate repayments for small businesses impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. The Small Business Relief Package will provide a 6 month repayment holiday for struggling small businesses.
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Rent Relief on Government Buildings – Victoria
Last update: 27/03/2020
In Victoria – Commercial tenants in government buildings can apply for relief of their rent.
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Payroll Tax Deferred for the First 3 Months of 2020-21 – Victoria
Last update: 27/03/2020
In Victoria – For SME’s whose total wages is less than $3 million will have their payroll tax for the first three months of the financial year 2020/21 deferred until 1 January 2021
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Vocational Education and Training – Skills
Last update: 26/03/2020
The ACT Government is providing support for the Vocational Education and Training Sector by increasing subsidies for apprenticeships and traineeships and other VET students to access nationally recognised training in areas linked to skills needs across a range of industries.
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Payroll Tax Deferral – ACT
Last update: 26/03/2020
All ACT businesses with Group Australia-wide wages of up to $10 million can defer their 2020-21 payroll tax, interest free until 1 July 2022.
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Six Month Waiver Of Payroll Tax – ACT
Last update: 26/03/2020
Hospitality (cafes, pubs, hotels, clubs and restaurants), creative arts and entertainment industries will receive a six-month waiver of payroll tax from March to August 2020.
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Full Payroll Tax Refund for 2019-20 – Victoria
Last update: 26/03/2020
In Victoria – SME’s whose total wages for 2019/20 is less than $3 million will have their annual payroll tax fully refunded.
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Reducing Social Security Deeming Rates
Last update: 26/03/2020
In response to the wider financial downturn caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, the Government will be reducing the social security deeming rates by 0.5%. As of 1 May 2020, the upper deeming rate will be 2.25 per cent and the lower deeming rate will be 0.25 per cent.
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Payments to Support Households
Last update: 03/04/2020
The Government will be providing two separate $750 payments to lower income Australians including pensioners, veterans and other social security recipients.
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Bring Forward Capital Works and Maintenance – NSW
Last update: 26/03/2020
In NSW – The Government has promised to bring forward capital works and maintenance to the value of $500 million.
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Bring Forward the Maintenance of Public Assets – NSW
Last update: 26/03/2020
In NSW – The Government has promised to bring forward the maintenance of public assets to the value of $250 million.
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Temporarily Reducing Superannuation Minimum Payment Amounts – COVID-19
Last update: 26/03/2020
To assist retirees, the Government has reduced the minimum annual payment required by 50% for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 financial years.
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Quick and Efficient Access to Credit For Small Business
Last update: 26/03/2020
The Government has provided lenders an exemption to the responsible lending obligations for existing customers looking to increase their credit during the next 6 months. This change is designed to improve the speed at which banks can provide credit increases to small business.
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Employ Additional Cleaners of Public Infrastructure – NSW
Last update: 26/03/2020
In NSW – The Government has promised to employ extra cleaning staff for public infrastructure to the value of $250 million.
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Early Access to Superannuation
Last update: 07/04/2020
From mid April employees or Sole Traders will be able to draw up to $10,000 from their Super in 2019-2020 and a further $10,000 in 2020-2021 if their income or turnover has been cut by more than 20% compared to the previous 6 month average
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Ensuring Banks Are Well Placed To Lend
Last update: 26/03/2020
APRA has announced temporary changes to it’s expectations regarding bank capital ratios. APRA has advised banks that they can continue to facilitate lending even if it means falling below capital targets for risk-weighted assets.
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Waive of Fees for Small Business – NSW
Last update: 26/03/2020
In NSW – Waive of Fees for Small Businesses in vulnerable sectors like bars, cafes, restaurants and tradespeople.
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Food Business Registration, Outdoor Dining and Liquor Licencing Fees – ACT
Last update: 26/03/2020
Licensed venues in the ACT will receive a 12-month waiver of their food business registration and on-licence liquor licensing fees from 1 April 2020 and outdoor dining fees for 2020-2021 will be waived.
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Ridesharing and Taxi Vehicle Licence Fees – ACT
Last update: 26/03/2020
The Rideshare vehicle licence fee will be waived for 12 months for rideshare operators from 1 April 2020 as part of the normal licencing processes.
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Electricity Rebates – ACT
Last update: 26/03/2020
Small business owners with electricity usage below 100 megawatts per year will see rebates of $750 automatically applied to their next electricity bill in around June or July 2020.
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Community Clubs Package – ACT
Last update: 26/03/2020
An additional payment of $1.5 million will be made to the ACT Community Clubs, as well as the existing $1.8 million in the Clubs Diversification Fund freed up to support clubs to keep staff employed at the award rate.
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Supporting Non-ADI and Smaller ADI Lenders in the Securitisation Market
Last update: 26/03/2020
The Government has provided $15 billon to the Office of Financial Management (AOFM) to invest in structured small business markets used by smaller lenders. This will support smaller lenders who won’t have access to other programs put forth by the RBA.
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Payroll Tax Relief for Next Year – NSW
Last update: 26/03/2020
In NSW – The Tax Free Threshold for payroll tax will increase to $1 million.
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Waiver of Payroll Tax for Business – NSW
Last update: 26/03/2020
Businesses whose total grouped wages for 2019/20 is less than $10million will have their annual payroll tax reduced by 25% or if they pay monthly, no payments for March, April or May are required.
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Supporting The Flow and Reducing the Cost of Credit
Last update: 03/04/2020
The RBA has announced that banks will have access to a $90 billion fund at a fixed interest rate of 0.25%. This initiative will reduce the funding cost of lenders and will encourage banks to pass on interest rate reductions to their customers
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Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme
Last update: 26/03/2020
For the next 6 months the Government has offered to guarantee 50% of loan amounts offered to small and medium sized businesses with an annual turnover of less than $50 million. To receive the guarantee, banks do need to follow certain conditions including an initial 6 month payment holiday and no asset security from the borrower.
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Increased and Accelerated Income Support
Last update: 31/03/2020
Eligibility for income support payments are being expanded and will include a Coronavirus supplement of $550 a fortnight for the next 6 months commencing 27 April 2020. Income support applications will be streamlined and won’t include income testing. The partner income test is also set to be relaxed to $3,068 a fortnight or around $79,762 per annum.
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Assistance For Affected Regions, Communities and Industries
Last update: 25/03/2020
The Federal Government have set aside $1 billion to support regions heavily affected by the Covid-19. This includes regions and communities heavily reliant on tourism, agriculture and education.
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Increasing The Instant Asset Write-Off
Last update: 31/07/2020
Lifting the threshold to $150,000 (from $30,000) and expanding access to businesses with aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million) until 30 June 2020.
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Boosting Cash Flow for Employers
Last update: 24/03/2020
Provides up to $100,000 back to small and medium-sized businesses, with a minimum payment of $20,000 for eligible businesses. The payments will provide cash flow support to businesses with a turnover of less than $50 million and not-for-profit entities that employ staff. The payment will be tax free.
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Temporary Relief for Financially Distressed Businesses
Last update: 23/03/2020
There is a temporary increase to the threshold (from $2,000 to $20,000) at which creditors can issue a statutory demand on a company and the time companies have to respond to statutory demands they receive.
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Backing Business Investment
Last update: 24/03/2020
Offering businesses a time-limited incentive to invest, by accelerating depreciation deductions. 50% initially.
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Supporting Apprentices and Trainees
Last update: 22/03/2020
If you employ an apprentice or trainee you may be eligible for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of their wage paid from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020. You can register for the subsidy from early April 2020.
