Assistance During Coronavirus Crisis

The Government announced a second stimulus package last night.  There is still a lot of detail to come, but I thought I’d send this out to give you a heads up.

First, let’s talk unemployment.

A number of people have called my office today who’ve lost their jobs or had their shifts reduced: If this is you, you should immediately apply for the Job Seeker Payment by visiting or calling Centrelink (132 850) or visiting centrelink.gov.au The waiting period for this modest payment has been waived. In addition, from March 31 you will get a $750 one off payment. On April 27 the payment will be boosted by a Coronavirus Supplement - an extra $550 a fortnight for six months.

You will still need to pass an income test (see details here) – but the liquid assets and Newly Arrived Migrants Waiting Period will be dropped.

A lot of people have had trouble calling, visiting or logging onto Centrelink – don’t worry just sign in in the next couple of days and any payments will be backdated to today.

These are measures The Government has taken – Labor is supporting them even though we think they need to release the money more quickly.

People who are not on the job seeker payment, but are receiving other payments i.e. aged pension, disability support pensions and carer payments, will also receive a one-off payment of $750, but not until July.

Okay let’s talk business.

Yesterday the Government announced that from midday today the following must close:

•           registered and licensed clubs, licensed premises in hotels and pubs, entertainment venues and cinemas, casinos and nightclubs

•           Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway only

•           Indoor sporting venues and places of worship will close

•           Enclosed spaces for funerals will have to follow the strict four-square metre rule which will be enforced

•           Shopping centres will remain open

•           Bottle shops, home deliveries and takeaway food businesses will also continue to operate

Support for Business and sole traders through the coming months.

The Government has announced a second stimulus package to assist business through the tough times ahead.

The detail is a little slow to come, and not all the measures will roll out straight away, some not for months, but I’ll be sending you updates as the information becomes available.  Labor is supporting the package, although we do believe that the Government should be acting faster than they are.

If you are having trouble making your tax and superannuation obligations call here 1800 806 218. As of this moment, the best available information on Government assistance is here:

https://www.business.gov.au/Risk-management/Emergency-management/Coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business