Australian Government Announcements and Assistance

With both our State and Federal Governments releasing some support packages to help. Whilst, we have been seeing these released within the media, this summarises the support packages and important facts of what is available.

This blog contains information from both the Queensland and Australian Governments, please continue to check to remain up to date. (Tip - save web links to your browser) I also highly recommend you download the Government App ( Coronavirus) available for both Apple Iphones and Android phones through their respective app stores.

We also highly recommend you discussing your individual situation with your financial adviser and/or your accountant.

Australian Government Latest Announcements and Assistance

Access the Australian Government’s website to see the very latest COVID-19 news, updates and advice from Government – The website contains information such as but not limited to:-

§ Key updates

§ Health and prevention

§ Receiving Financial Support – Australian Government Economic Response to COVID-19

§ Information for Businesses, Employees and Jobseekers

§ Help from other Government agencies

The Australian Government has set up a team of dedicated customer representatives to explain the Australian Government assistance available to business. Talk over the phone, live chat or email 8am – 8pm across Australia through their Coronavirus business support service.

Phone: 13 28 46;

Email : Send email to Coronavirus business support

Australian Government Support for Small Businesses and Industry - The Australian Government is supporting Australian businesses to manage cash flow challenges and retain employees.

• Boosting Cash flow for Employers - Provides up to $100,000 back to small and medium-sized businesses, with a minimum payment of $20,000 for eligible businesses. The payment will be tax free
• Supporting Apprentices and Trainees Measure - Eligible employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50% of their apprentice’s or trainee’s wage paid during 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020
• Additional Information for Sole Traders- Increased instant asset write off and accelerated depreciation measures for sole traders
• Casual employees – The Government is making support payments quicker to access by waiving the usual waiting period periods for casual employees
• Increased and Accelerated Income Support Payments for Sole Traders and Employees - This link includes examples and scenarios relating to Sole Traders and recently retrenched employees

• Temporary relief for financially distressed businesses - The Government is temporarily increasing the threshold at which creditors can issues a statutory demand
• Support for immediate cash flow needs for SMEs – Under the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme, the Government will provide a guarantee of 50% to support short-term loans
• Supporting individuals and households - The Australian Government is providing financial assistance which includes income support, payments to households, temporary early release of superannuation
• Early access to superannuation - Sole traders or casual workers with an income or hours reduced by 20% or more, access up to $10,000 of the superannuation tax-free
• Rural Financial Counselling Service - Any Small Business impacted by COVID19 can now contact the Small Business Financial Counselling Service in the following areas:

• Southern Queensland– phone (07) 4622 5500
• Fair Work Australia –Workplace Obligations and Entitlements –Help and advice for employers and employees with entitlements during this time
• Centrelink –Social security payments and services to Australians
• Australian Taxation Office – For enquires relating to income tax
• Fair Work Ombudsman – Provides education, assistance, advice and guidance to employers, employees, outworkers, outworker entities and organisations

Queensland Government Industry Recovery Package

Access the Business Queensland website to see the very latest COVID-19 news, updates and advice from Queensland Government . The Queensland Government’s industry recovery package contains a range of initiatives www.qld.gov.au/about/industry-recovery

Queensland Government Support for Small Business and Industry includes but is not limited to:-

• Payroll tax relief package: includes a range of payroll tax relief measures including refunds of payroll tax and payroll tax holiday and deferrals. A portal has been established on the Business Queensland website for businesses to apply for payroll tax relief.
• Small and medium business power bill relief: Small and medium businesses may be eligible for $500 rebate off their energy bill.
• Rent relief: for small businesses who rent premises from the state government.
• Liquor licensing: The Queensland Government COVID-19 economic relief package includes the waiving of 2020–21 liquor licencing fees.
• QRIDA Jobs Support Loans – This scheme is for Queensland businesses and non-profit organisations financially affected by COVID-19. Eligible business types include sole traders, partnerships, private and public companies and Trusts.

• Business Mentoring Assistance - Mentoring for Growth: The Mentoring for Growth program has mentors ready to connect with impacted small businesses and may be able to provide tailored support including financial mentoring and business planning.
• Financial Resilience Workshops:Delivered by TAFE Queensland, workshops will provide you with practical tools and skills to build business resilience. You will also have an opportunity to connect and network with other small businesses facing similar issues.
• Market Diversification and Resilience Grants: To help develop alternative markets food and fishing exporters and critical supply chain partners.

• Waivers of some registration and licencing fees for Inbound Tour Operators, commercial activity agreements and permits, & variations to liquor licenses
• Supply Chain Issues - 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 access link and complete your details
• The Worker Transition Scheme: For workers who may find themselves without work

Please Note:

If you have not already, businesses are invited to complete an online Business Impact Evaluationso the State Government can fully capture the actual impact to small business at this point of time.

Also contact your Regional Local Government Authority for latest grants and support.

Other Useful Information that may be of assistance to you:-

• Australian Banking Association - Small business relief, deferral of loans
• Chamber of Commerce & Industry Qld- Sign up for their Business Essentials subscription by 31st March 2020 and pay nothing for 12 months
• Facebook Grants
• For Education and Schools
• General State Government Updates
• Qld Health Information

Additional Wellbeing and Support Information

• Emergency Relief Program search (Queensland Government)
• Salvation Army (Disasters and emergencies support) - phone 1300 662 217
• Lifeline (Mental health and wellbeing) - phone 13 11 14
• Beyondblue (Mental health and wellbeing) - phone 1300 224 636
• Headspace (Youth mental health and wellbeing) - phone 1800 650 890

Please note that all of the latest updates are available on the Business Queensland website and it is suggested that you regularly visit this site to stay in touch with the most up to date information.

Stay safe and take care