CORONAVIRUS APP
A coronavirus app and WhatsApp channel have been released by the Commonwealth Government. The app is available on Apple and Android devices. The WhatsApp channel can be accessed by entering aus.gov.au/whatsapp into your internet browser.
This platform provides a trusted source of information for Australians looking for important advice on how they can protect themselves and others, current restrictions on social gatherings, how they can access support and the latest data on Australian cases. The app also allows Australians to voluntarily register if they are self-isolating to provide governments with important information to protect public health and safety.
HELPLINE FOR SMALL BUSINESS
The Federal Government’s Business Hotline – 13 28 46 – has been expanded to provide specialist advisers and extended hours to support small and medium businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The hotline is available to provide businesses readily available access to advice so they can fully understand the assistance available to them and their employees.
This service is available to provide support seven days per week, and provide an additional two hours a day of support outside standard operating hours for the first month, answering calls from 7.00 am to 11.00pm AEST.
SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS CASH FLOW
The Federal Government is providing up to $100,000 over two quarters to eligible small and medium sized businesses, and not-for-profits (including charities) that employ people. These payments will help businesses and NFPs with their cash flow so they can keep operating, pay their rent, electricity and other bills and retain staff.
For more information on support for business cash flow, please click here for the fact sheet.
ACCESS TO CREDIT
Guarantee Scheme
Participating lenders to small and medium-sized enterprises will have loans guaranteed by government. This guarantee is worth 50 per cent to SME lenders for new unsecured loans to be used for working capital. This will enhance these lenders’ willingness and ability to provide credit, which will result in SMEs being able to access additional funding to help support them through the upcoming months. SMEs with a turnover of up to $50 million will be eligible to receive these loans, and the size of the loan is a maximum of $250,000.
Credit Enhancement
The Government is providing an exemption from responsible lending obligations for lenders providing credit to existing small business customers. This exemption is for six months, and applies to any credit for business purposes, including new credit, credit limit increases and credit variations and restructures. By providing a temporary exemption from responsible lending obligations, this reform will help small businesses get access to credit quickly and efficiently.
For more information on access to credit measures, please click here for the fact sheet.
OTHER SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS
Changes to insolvency and bankruptcy
The Federal Government will implement changes to laws and regulations that govern business practices to ensure that businesses do not go under from being unable to meet their obligations due to complications arising from COVID-19. This includes changes to insolvency proceedings, changes to bankruptcy proceedings and changes to directors’ personal liability. For more information, see this fact sheet from the Federal Government.
Land tax deferral
This is assistance provided by the Victorian Government. More information below.
Assets and depreciation changes
Your business may be eligible for other assistance to support business investment and business capacity. See sections pertaining to the Instant Asset Write-Off and accelerated depreciation later.
Air freight support
The Australian Government is setting up an International Freight Assistance Mechanism.
This will back Australia’s agriculture and seafood export sectors. $110 million will help exporters get their high-quality produce into key overseas markets.
Eligibility
Our target is high-value agricultural and fisheries exports. Mostly perishable products where Australian exporters have important and established customers in markets. Eligible products may include:
seafood, including lobsters
premium red meat, including beef and pork
dairy, including fresh milk and yoghurt
horticulture, including premium fruits and packaged salad or vegetables.
To register interest and communicate your air freight needs to the government, visit Have Your Say at the Department of Agriculture website.
SUPPORT WITH AND FOR EMPLOYEES
A JobKeeper Payment is now available to provide businesses impacted by the Coronavirus access to a wage subsidy from the Government to continue paying their employees. More related to this scheme can be found on this fact sheet.
Affected employers will be able to claim a fortnightly payment of $1,500 per eligible employee from 30 March 2020, for a maximum of 6 months. Eligible employees will receive a minimum of $1,500 per fortnight, before tax.
Employers will be eligible for the subsidy if:
The employer must have been in an employment relationship with eligible employees as at 1 March 2020, and confirm that each eligible employee is currently engaged in order to receive JobKeeper Payments.
Not-for-profit entities (including charities) and self-employed individuals (businesses without employees) that meet the turnover tests that apply for businesses are eligible to apply for JobKeeper Payments.
Business with employees and without employees (self-employed) can register interested applying for JobKeeper Payments. To register interest in JobKeeper Payments employers should submit an online form at: https://www.ato.gov.au/Job-keeper-payment/.
Apprentices and trainees
The Federal Government is supporting small business to retain their apprentices and trainees.
For more details see this fact sheet
Federal Government assistance payments and income support for workers
The Federal Government has announced a range of supplements, new payments and changes to eligibility requirement to reflect that employees who are stood down or have their work reduced require support with their income.
People who do not already receive a payment from the federal government may receive one of the following: Youth Allowance as a job seeker, JobSeeker Payment and Parenting Payment. The usual waiting periods and mutual obligation requirements may not apply. For further information, please visit Services Australia.
People who already receive a payment from the federal government may experience additional supplements or higher rates of the payments they already receive. For further information, please visit Services Australia.
Those who are eligible for payments through either of the above categories, or who can show they are otherwise employed but currently experiencing reduced income due to the nature of their work, may also be able to apply for up to $20,000 from their superannuation accounts over two years. Applications are made to the ATO. For more information, please see this Fact Sheet from the Federal Government.
SUPPORT FOR SOLE TRADERS
JobKeeper payments
A JobKeeper Payment is now available to provide businesses impacted by the Coronavirus access to a wage subsidy from the Federal Government. Sole traders may be eligible for this payment. More information related to this scheme can be found on page 3 of this document and on this Federal Government fact sheet.
Early access to superannuation
As sole traders may be experiencing reduced income to their business as a result of COVID-19, they may require access to an additional income stream. Sole traders are able to self-certify that their turnover has reduced by 20 per cent or more and apply to access a fixed amount of the superannuation, as above. This is only optional, not compulsory. For more information, please see this Fact Sheet from the Federal Government.
Early access to superannuation
As sole traders may be experiencing reduced income to their business as a result of COVID19, they may require access to an additional income stream. Sole traders are able to selfcertify that their turnover has reduced by 20 per cent or more and apply to access a fixed amount of the superannuation, as above.
Instant asset-write off
Enhanced depreciation measures
VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
Business Hotline – 13 22 15
The Victorian Government has launched a hotline for businesses dealing with the significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Businesses across the state can now access information on dealing with COVID-19 by calling the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15. Operators calling the hotline will be able to get information about support services, including those available through Business Victoria, which offers mentoring to help operators develop business continuity and recovery plans.
Payroll Tax Relief
The Victorian Government will provide full payroll tax refunds for the 2019-20 financial year to small and medium-sized businesses with a payroll of less than $3 million.
The Victorian Government has indicated that these payments will start flowing immediately. The assistance is a refund, not a loan. Eligible businesses will also be able to defer any payroll tax for the first three months of the 2020/21 financial year until 1 January 2021. More information about the administration of these relief measures will be sent directly to eligible businesses by the State Revenue Office.
Rent relief for tenants of Victorian Government buildings
Commercial tenants in Victorian Government buildings can apply for rent relief.
Land tax payments
Land tax payments for 2020 will be deferred for eligible small businesses. Land owners 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.
If an eligible land owner has already paid their 2020 land tax they can request a return of the tax paid. The State Revenue Office will contact all taxpayers who are eligible for this deferral.
Outstanding invoice payments by the Victorian Government
The Victorian Government will pay all outstanding supplier invoices within five business days. The private sector is being urged to do the same where possible.
Liquor licensing fees
The Victorian Government will waive liquor licensing fees for 2020 for affected venues and small businesses. The State Revenue Office will administer the reimbursement, regardless of whether the license fee was paid to it or the Victorian Commission for Gaming and Liquor Regulation.
Business Support Fund
The Victorian Government will establish a Business Support Fund. The fund will support the hardest hit sectors, including hospitality, tourism, accommodation, arts and entertainment, and retail. The Victorian Government will work with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Australian Hotels Association and Ai Group to administer the fund.
The fund is targeted at help businesses survive and keep people in work that may not be eligible for payroll tax refunds due to their size.
Businesses can register interest in the fund online here
Working for Victoria Fund
The Victorian Government will establish a Working for Victoria Fund in consultation with the Victorian Council of Social Services and Victorian Trades Hall Council. The fund will help workers who have lost their jobs find new opportunities, including work cleaning public infrastructure or delivering food – providing vital contributions to our state’s response to the pandemic and affording those Victorians security when its needed most.
Individuals can register interest in the applying for work under the Working for Victoria Fund here
Job matching services
The Victorian Government will facilitate job matching to help Victorians find short-term or casual roles.
Commercial tenancies
The Victorian government has announced the framework of its measures to assist business tenants.
WHO: Businesses that meet the following criteria will be eligible for special measures to assist them keep their business afloat.
A turnover up to $50 million
Have experienced a decrease in turnover of at least 30 per cent due to coronavirus
WHAT
A six-month moratorium on commercial tenancy evictions due to the non-payment of
rent, backdated to 29 March 2020
A freeze on increases to rent during the six-month moratorium
A waiver or deferral of rent paid to the landlord that is proportionate to the reduction in turnover experienced by the business. This will obviously differ from business to business, so business tenants should negotiate with their landlord and come to an agreement in writing.
HOW
You do not need to do anything to keep from being evicted or to keep your rent rate frozen, other than being able to document that you meet the above eligibility criteria. If you are a business tenant and cannot come to an agreement about a waiver or deferral of rent for your COVID-19-affected business, Business Victoria is offering a meditation service for tenants and landlords to support fair tenancy negotiations. Your landlord will also be eligible for benefits in return for offering this assistance. Read more about the assistance at Business Victoria.
Bank assistance to commercial landlords
Commercial property landlords may be eligible for relief from their bank per the ABA assistance package detailed earlier as long as they provide an undertaking to the bank that for the period of the interest capitalisation, the landlord will not terminate leases or evict current tenants for rent arrears as a result of COVID-19.
Insurance payments
A number of insurance companies are offering relief options for small business customers experiencing financial hardship as a result of the impact of COVID-19. It is recommended that you make contact with your insurer to discuss hardship relief options if you are experiencing a difficulty in making payments associated with your insurance.
OTHER SUPPORT
Support for small business from banks
Australian banks including the ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Westpac have announced that they will defer loan repayments for small businesses affected by the coronavirus. Businesses should contact their banks directly on the numbers below to discuss their circumstances and access support.
ANZ: 1800 351 548
Commonwealth Bank: 132 607
NAB: 1300 769 650
Westpac: 132 142
Business continuity and recovery plans
Best practice for businesses is to have a continuity plan. Business Victoria has information to help your business evaluate risk and prepare a risk management plan.
Once the initial damage assessment has been done on your business, you need to think about what you’ll do long term and how you might respond and recover.
Small Business Victoria provides low cost mentoring services to help you work through or develop a recovery plan. You can book an appointment with a mentor here.
CPA Australia has developed some high-level tips to help businesses respond to COVID-19, including staying up-to-date with information, considering the potential impacts on your business, putting a contingency plan in place and seeking professional advice if required.
You can access a detailed summary of potential actions and more resources for business here.
The Federal Government’s Coronavirus Business Liaison Unit is now operating out of the Federal Treasury.
Please download this press release as a PDF