Welcome back to our Weekly Digest. Read on for the latest updates and some ideas to help us all move forward.
We’re thinking of everyone affected by lockdowns around the country and encourage you to reach out if you have any questions about your business during this time. Read on for assistance that may be available to you.
Vaccine Passports for International Travel
The government has taken a major step towards establishing a vaccine passport for international travel. Last week, it was announced that the system that will enable recognition of vaccine status should be ready in a number of weeks. According to the tourism minister, Dan Tehan, it will allow Australians to use MyGov to upload proof of vaccination to a QR code linked to their passport.
Canberra Lockdown Extended Until 15 October
Canberra will remain locked down for a second month until 15 October, after recording new COVID-19 infections.
Part of Regional Victoria Back Into Lockdown
The city of Greater Ballarat will be sent back into lockdown from 11.59pm on 15 September due to the increase in COVID-19 cases. The lockdown will remain in place for seven days. Meanwhile, those living in the 12 Sydney LGAs of concern have been rewarded with a slight easing of restrictions.
Super Weekend for Vaccinations in Queensland
The QLD government has announced a “super weekend” for vaccinations this coming weekend, wherein all community hubs will be open and walk-ins are welcome.
COVID-19 Government Support By State and Industry
Small businesses that are currently suffering from lockdowns can get financial assistance to help them get through the pandemic. You can find the latest government support schemes for each state or territory here.
The impacts of the COVID-19 restrictions vary from one industry to another. Here, you’ll find the latest government financial assistance available for particular industries.
All Australian hotspots: COVID-19 Disaster Payment for recognised lockdowns
This Federal Government support is lump sum payment for workers who cannot earn income because of a state public health order. You can check your eligibility here.
New Support Schemes for SA Small Businesses
New COVID-19 Tourism and Hospitality Support Grant and COVID-19 Business Hardship Grant programs have been launched for South Australian small and medium businesses, particularly tourism and hospitality-related ones, impacted by ongoing trading restrictions. The jointly-funded package from the Commonwealth and South Australian Governments will deliver an extra $15 million to an estimated 3,500 local businesses.
The COVID-19 Business Hardship Grant of $6,000 is for employing businesses with annual payrolls below $10 million and $2,000 for non-employing businesses who have experienced a minimum 50% reduction in turnover. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 Tourism and Hospitality Support Grant is for hospitality businesses that have already received the COVID-19 Additional Business Support Grant as follows:
- $3,000 for employing businesses with less than $2 million turnover
- $10,000 for employing businesses with more than $2 million turnover
- $20,000 for employing businesses with more than $5 million turnover
- $1,000 for non-employing businesses
If you have questions, get in touch with us!
NSW Grants
The NSW Government is offering financial support to businesses or not-for-profit organisations impacted by the recent COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home orders.
NSW: Micro-business grant
The micro-business grant is a $1500 fortnightly payment for businesses with a turnover between $30,000 and $75,000.
To check your eligibility and apply, visit the Service NSW website.
COVID-19 Business Grant
A one-off payment to help businesses, sole traders or not-for-profit organisations impacted by the current Greater Sydney COVID-19 restrictions.
Grants between $7,500 and $15,000 are available to eligible businesses depending on the decline in turnover experienced during the restrictions. For eligibility criteria and to apply, visit the Service NSW website.
JobSaver payment
JobSaver is a fortnightly payment to help maintain employee headcount (as at 13 July) and provide cashflow support to businesses. To check your eligibility and apply, visit the Service NSW website.
Small business fees and charges rebate
If you are a sole trader, the owner of a small business or a not-for-profit organisation in NSW, you may be eligible for a small business fees and charges rebate of $1500 aimed at helping businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Applications are open and you can check your eligibility here.
You can view more NSW Government COVID-19 Support Packages here, including Jobs Plus, Sydney CBD Friday vouchers, Payroll tax support and support for the tourism industry. Get in touch with us if you have any questions.
ATO support for those affected by COVID-19 restrictions or disasters
The ATO has a range of support options to help those affected by disasters or those experiencing challenges due to continuing COVID-19 restrictions.
The ATO may be able to:
- prioritise any refunds owed to you
- set up a payment plan tailored to your individual situation
- remit penalties or interest charged during the time you have been affected.
If you need help to manage your tax or superannuation obligations, please get in touch with us.
JobMaker Hiring Credit
Eligible employers can access the JobMaker Hiring Credit for each eligible additional employee they hire between 7 October 2020 and 6 October 2021. You may be able to claim the following payments:
- up to $10,400 over a year for each additional eligible employee aged 16 to 29 years
- up to $5,200 over a year for each additional eligible employee aged 30 to 35 years
Register before the due date of the first JobMaker period you’re claiming for.
Wage Subsidy Scheme for Apprentices and Trainees
The government is continuing the wage subsidy scheme for apprentices and trainees. Under the scheme, the government will pay half the wages of apprentices up to a maximum of $7,000 each quarter for 12 months.
How Business Leaders Can Prevent the “Great Resignation”
The pandemic has turned our lives upside down, and many of us are responding by making significant changes in our personal and professional lives. With people becoming increasingly confident that they can find better work, the Great Resignation ensues.
However, a Forbes article outlined some ways employers can stop the mass exodus:
- Listen and learn. Gauge your employees’ well-being. Check how they’re doing on a regular basis and find out what they need for personal and professional growth.
- Coach to mitigate burnout. Many people leave their jobs because of burnout. So review your wellness benefits or consider adding more. You might also want to identify at-risk staff and offer mental health hours to step away from work.
- Invest in flexibility. It might not be easy for small businesses to provide extremely high pay, but you can at least offer work flexibility. If you can ease up on conventional standards of when and where your employees work, they are more likely to stay.
In a nutshell, all these boils to one thing: put your people first. If you need more focused business advice, get in touch with us today and let’s work out a plan!
Get in touch
Contact us if you have any questions or want to discuss the next steps for your business.