I don’t know about you, but I’m getting inundated with information about COVID-19 from every angle. And I don’t want to add to that information overload, but thought these resources may be helpful to you.
The Australian Government will support businesses to manage cash flow challenges and help businesses retain their employees. Note, these support measures are still to be passed by parliment, and you can click on the link to find the specifics.
Federal Government Cash Flow Assistance
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) are implementing a series of administrative measures to assist Australians experiencing financial difficulty as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Here’s a link outlining the options available to assist businesses impacted.
Banks are ready to support customers affected, and the flow on effects to the community and economy. If you need assistance, due to illness or impacts on your business, please contact them as soon as possible to discuss what’s available. Here’s the link to the information you need.
Fair Work Australia have released information about circumstances affecting workplace laws. If you employ staff I’d recommend you bookmark this page as the information is continually being updated. Although these are unprecedented times, it’s still important that we follow workplace law.
Fair Work Australia COVID-19 Information
Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland are offering free membership to businesses, including Fair Work and business support. Membership is normally $792.00 and this offer is available until 31 March 2020. Sign up with the below link.
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry are also offering 12 months free membership, and a credit to current memberships. Check out their offer below.
In these uncertain and anxious times, it’s important to ensure that you’re not unwittingly breaking any Fair Work rules. As this is an unprecedented time, the rules unfortunately aren’t completely clear. Here’s a good article about downturns in work and redundancies.
The Palaszczuk Government will create a new $500 million loan facility, interest free for the first 12 months, to support businesses to keep Queenslanders in work and extend the payroll tax deferral to all businesses across the state. If you’re not in Queensland, check your local government website for assistance they can provide to you.
Queensland Interest Free Loans
Register your Expression of Interest
Other Government support to Queensland businesses:
Other Queensland Government Support for Business
Apply for the Queensland Payroll Tax Deferral
The Government of Western Australia are providing economic relief to businesses and households. Check out their assistance package here.
Western Australia Government Support Package
The New South Wales Government has released information that can assist business and households over the coming months. Find out more here.
New South Wales Government Support Package
An immediate economic stimulus package worth $350 million has been announced by the Marshall Government, to help drive the South Australian economy and secure local jobs.
South Australia Government Economic Stimulus
Businesses across Victoria can access information on dealing with COVID-19 by calling the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15.
Victoria Government Business Assistance Hotline
The Brisbane City Council has waived all charges, rents, levies and permit fees effective immediately for all businesses, as they face economic hardship caused by coronavirus impacts. If you don’t operate your business within the BCC, check your local council website for assistance they can provide you with.
Brisbane City Council Assistance
There are various state and territory assistance measure being implemented. Check out the Australian Government Business website for the assistance available in your state.
Australian Government Business Support
This is a stressful time for all of us – businesses, families, individuals. But you’re not alone! If you feel like you need somebody to talk to, the below link has the contact details of a number of mental health support services available to you.
Other business resources:
G-Suite – Free enterprise edition until 1 July 2020
Facebook – $100 million in grants for small business
Microsoft Teams – Free Fremium
Uber Eats – Pick-up Fees Waived
Some other useful links:
Managing the workplace in the face on an outbreak – Employer Guide
Moving to Remote Working – Webinar by CCIQ
Reducing costs during uncertain times – Webinar by CCIQ
Obviously this list is not exhaustive, and information is being released and updated on a daily basis.
I will continue to update our Facebook page with resources and updates so make sure you follow us for updates.
I’d like to close by saying that this ongoing crisis has brought out the worst and the best of our society. Nobody is immune and we’re all in this together. If we work together and look after each other, we’ll come out the other side stronger than ever.
