Hi,
As you know all Victorians were in lockdown between 5 August 2021 to 12 August 2021. The lockdown initially applied to the entire state of Victoria, but from Monday 9 August, 11.59pm, rules in regional areas reverted to those which were in place before the latest lockdown. Melbourne’s lockdown is to continue for until 11.59pm Wednesday 18 August. Our fellow Australians in New South Wales recorded a further 411 new cases yesterday (14 August 2021), Victoria recorded 25 new cases, Queensland recorded 1 new case and the Australian Capital Territory recorded 2 new cases. All other states and territories had no cases recorded.
It seems that we are heading towards extended lockdowns in New South Wales and potentially in Victoria (beyond 18 August 2021) and as a result we have seen an avalanche of grants/payments to support businesses & workers during these tough times by the Federal & State Governments. It is difficult to determine whether your business or you personally are entitled to such support because each State is providing different forms of assistance for businesses. For example, at the moment Victoria is providing assistance to only those businesses who are registered for GST (being generally those who have a turnover of more than $75,000) whereas New South Wales is providing grants for those who have an annual aggregated turnover of between $30,000 and $75,000 (for the year ended 30 June 2020) and who are not registered for GST. To be frank, it is difficult to keep a handle on it all but we must keep on top of it as it is really up to us as leaders to manage it!
For that reason, together with the NTAA (National Tax and Accountants Association) we have provided you with the “NTAA-ACS 12 August 2021 COVID-19 Assistance Snapshot FINAL NTAA/ACS Covid 19”,which covers the assistance that is available from the Federal Government and that of each State of Australia.
Again, “none of us can afford to be complacent and must ensure that we know what needs to be done for our family, employees & business community”. So if your business is entitled to assistance please ensure that you make the relevant application prior to the Closure Dates which vary for each grant or support.
We also take the opportunity to reaffirm & update you on some changes at a Federal level and that of the two biggest states of the nation in NSW & Vic. These changes are summarised as follows – Please read!!:
Please refer to the following page to help you identify Federal Government Grants (these are more than COVID related grants):
(right click at the hyperlink & then hit “open hyperlink”)
Commonwealth Government COVID-19 Disaster Payment for Individuals
Individuals may be eligible for financial support through the commonwealth governments COVID-19 Disaster Payment.
IMPORTANTLY: The COVID-19 Disaster Payment is tax-free income and you don’t need to include it in your tax return
The payment rates and eligibility requirements vary state to state as indicated in our previous communications. The payment rates have been extended and increased since our last update email and we have restarted the eligibility requirements, payment rates and application process below.
1.1 NEW SOUTH WALES - COVID-19 DISASTER PAYMENTS
Am I Eligible?
To meet the basic eligibility criteria in NSW you need to meet all of the following:
Eligibility for the NSW disaster payment is dependent upon, your location, the period of your claim & the hours of work you have lost. You will receive the appropriate amount for each payment period that you are eligible for. The eligible payment periods, amounts and locations are:
|
Period of Claim and Hours of Work Lost (by Location in NSW):
|
Claims for the 1 to 7 July 2021 payment period have closed and the liquid asset test no longer applies as it is only related to this claim period.
|
Period date range |
Amount if you lost less than 20 hours work that week |
Amount if you lost 20 hours or more that week |
|
8 July to 14 July 2021 |
$325 |
$500 |
|
Period date range |
Amount if you lost between 8 and less than 20 hours work that week |
Amount if you lost a full day of your usual work hours that week |
Amount if you lost 20 hours of work or more that week |
|
15 July to 21 July 2021 |
$375 |
$375 |
$600 |
|
22 July to 28 July 2021 |
$375 |
$375 |
$600 |
|
29 July to 4 August 2021 |
$375 |
$375 |
$600 |
|
5 August to 11 August 2021 |
$450 |
$450 |
$750 |
|
12 August to 18 August 2021 |
$450 |
$450 |
$750 |
|
19 August to 25 August 2021 |
$450 |
$450 |
$750 |
|
26 August to 28 August 2021 |
$450 |
$450 |
$750 |
|
Period date range |
Amount if you lost less than 20 hours work that week |
Amount if you lost 20 hours of work or more that week |
|
11 July to 17 July 2021 |
$325 |
$500 |
|
Period date range |
Amount if you lost between 8 and less than 20 hours work that week |
Amount if you lost a full day of your usual work hours that week |
Amount if you lost 20 hours of work or more that week |
|
18 July to 24 July 2021 |
$375 |
$375 |
$600 |
|
25 July to 31 July 2021 |
$375 |
$375 |
$600 |
|
1 August to 7 August 2021 |
$375 |
$375 |
$600 |
|
8 August to 14 August 2021 |
$450 |
$450 |
$750 |
|
15 August to 21 August 2021 |
$450 |
$450 |
$750 |
|
22 August to 28 August 2021 |
$450 |
$450 |
$750 |
|
Period date range |
Amount if you lost between 8 and less than 20 hours work that week |
Amount if you lost a full day of your usual work hours that week |
Amount if you lost 20 hours of work or more that week |
|
18 July to 24 July 2021 |
$375 |
$375 |
$600 |
|
25 July to 31 July 2021 |
$375 |
$375 |
$600 |
|
1 August to 7 August 2021 |
$375 |
$375 |
$600 |
|
8 August to 14 August 2021 |
$450 |
$450 |
$750 |
|
15 August to 21 August 2021 |
$450 |
$450 |
$750 |
|
22 August to 28 August 2021 |
$450 |
$450 |
$750 |
Note: A full day of your usual work is what you were scheduled to work but could not because of restricted movement order. This includes not being able to attend a full time, part time or casual shift of fewer than 8 hours.
Which Location am I in?
To determine which location you fall within you can use the following link https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/covid-19-disaster-payment-new-south-wales/what-locations-are
How to Apply?
To make your application for the payment you will need to make a claim through your MyGov account (which needs to be linked with you Centrelink account).
You can find further information in relation to the disaster payment at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/covid-19-disaster-payment-new-south-wales/how-much-you-can-get
1.2 VICTORIA - COVID-19 DISASTER PAYMENTS
At this stage, there have been no updates issued by the government in relation to extensions to the Victorian disaster payments. We have restated the previously communicated rules below.
Am I Eligible?
To meet the basic eligibility criteria in Victoria you need to meet all of the following:
Eligibility for the Victorian disaster payment is dependent upon, your location, the period of your claim & the hours of work you have lost. You will receive the appropriate amount for each payment period that you are eligible for. The eligible payment periods, amounts and locations are:
All areas of Victoria
|
Period data range |
Amount if you lost less than 20 hours work that week |
Amount if you lost 20 hours or more that week |
|
16 July to 22 July 2021 |
$375 |
$600 |
|
23 July to 27 July 2021 |
$375 |
$600 |
There are no liquid asset rules for Victoria
What are the Location Rules for Victoria?
You are in an eligible location if:
How to Apply?
To make your application for the payment you will need to make a claim through your MyGov account (which needs to be linked with you Centrelink account).
You can find further information in relation to the disaster payment at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/covid-19-disaster-payment-victoria/how-much-you-can-get
2.1 There is much assistance provided by the New South Wales State Government? If you are entitled to support please do not be shy?? The assistance includes:
2.1.1 NSW 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant - can potentially claim grants between $7,500 and $15,000.
2.1.2 NSW 2021 JobSaver payment - Eligible entities will receive 40% of their NSW payroll payments, at a minimum of $1,500 and a maximum of $100,000 per week from 18 July 2021 onwards. Assistance will cease when the current lockdown restrictions are eased, or when the Commonwealth hotspot declaration is removed. To receive the payment, employing entities will be required to maintain their staffing level as of 13 July 2021. For non-employing businesses (e.g., eligible sole traders) the payment will be set at $1,000 per week.
2.1.3 Micro Business Grants - eligible ‘micro businesses’ (including small business, sole traders and not-for-profit organisations) with:
- an annual aggregated turnover of between $30,000 and
- $75,000 for the year ended 30 June 2020;
that have experienced a decline in turnover of at least 30% over a minimum two-week period within the Greater Sydney lockdown may be eligible for payments of $1,500 per fortnight to cover business expenses for the duration of the lockdown.
2.1.4 Please to refer the attached “NTAA-ACS 12 August 2021 COVID-19 Assistance Snapshot FINAL NTAA/ACS Covid 19”
- NSW Payroll tax concessions;
- NSW Land tax concessions;
- Residential Tenancy Support Payment;
- Short Term Eviction Moratorium and Other Tenant Safe-Guards; and
- Targeted Industry Support
Please refer to the following page to help you identify:
https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs?page=1
3.1 Which businesses are able to remain open?
3.1.1 We have attached the document labelled “Lockdown 6.0 - Restrictions Change 5 Aug 2021” which summarises all of the industries that are able to remain open in detail. This is an extensive list so please ensure that you read this to ensure you have a good understanding of whether your business fits within this list. The list of businesses that can open under circuit breaker restrictions are able to open on the basis that their employees are unable to work from home.
3.1.2 The industries that are able to remain open appear to be similar to these that were in place in under the stage 4 lockdown arrangements in May 2021. However we encourage you to keep up to date with further announcements as things may change. Please note that essential retail still requires the 1 person per 4 square meters test to be complied with.
3.1.3 We note that the government has provided an authorised worker list. Please refer pages 4 to 8 of the attached statement from the acting Victorian Premier. There have been no changes to this list as compared to the recent July 2021 lockdown. Importantly, an authorised worker includes “all manufacturing” (refer page 7) which confirms that manufacturing businesses are able to continue to operate during the restrictions. This is clarified on the VECCI website where they confirm “Any person who performs work that is essential for the continued operation of all manufacturing is considered an authorised worker”.
3.2 Re-introduction of the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme (from 28 July 2021)
On 28 July 2021, the Victorian Government announced the reintroduction of the Commercial Tenancies Relief Scheme (CTRS 2021) and legislation was introduced into Parliament on 3 August 2021.
The regulations have not yet been finalized however the rules are likely to operate as follows:
Further information and FAQ’s on the CTRS 2021 is available at;
https://www.vsbc.vic.gov.au/news-publication/rent-relief-to-come-for-victorias-commercial-tenants/
3.3 Business Continuity Fund (BCAP3) – You can still get BCAP2 (July 2021) but must be registered by 20 August 2021
How do I receive the payment?
To receive this funding, businesses must have received or be eligible for the Business Cost Assistance Program Round Two – can still register until 20 August 2021. Can register here:
The payment will be automatically processed for any business that previously received either of these grants. It will be automatically paid to the same bank account provided in your original application.
What if I missed out on these grants previously but should have been eligible?
The Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two has now re-opened to provide an opportunity for businesses that did not apply for these grants an opportunity to apply for the Top-Up Payments by 20 August 2021.
The application can be accessed via the following link https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/business-costs-assistance-program-round-two-july-extension
3.4 Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021 Continuity Payment
To receive this funding, venues will need to have received or been eligible for the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021.
We will provide updates if there are application requirements for this fund.
The Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund has now re-opened to provide an opportunity for businesses that did not apply for these grants an opportunity to apply for the Top-Up Payments.
The application can be accessed via the following link https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/licensed-hospitality-venue-fund-2021-july-extension
3.5 Small Business COVID Hardship Fund
A new $85 million fund is established to support small businesses who have not been eligible under existing business support funds, who have a payroll of up to $10 million and who have experienced a 70 per cent or greater reduction in revenue will be eligible for grants of up to $5,000. Please note that you must be registered for GST to get this grant. Please refer to:
https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/small-business-covid-hardship-fund
Applications have been open from Thursday 12 August 2021 until program funds are exhausted or 11:59 pm on Friday 10 September 2021. So please get in early!!
3.6 Alpine Business Support Program
Alpine Business Support will receive a further $9.8 million to deliver grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 to 430 Alpine based businesses in recognition of restricted inter and intra-state travel during the peak winter season.
The funding also includes $5 million support to alpine resort operators and management boards.
Further information is located in this link https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/alpine-resorts-winter-support-program
Updates are constantly being released on all of the grants and the best location to keep yourself updated on these is here https://business.vic.gov.au/news-and-updates/2021/extra-support-for-Victorian-businesses
Please contact the ACS team if you require any assistance or wish to discuss any of the information included in this email.
We wish you all the best & please don’t forget to contact us for any assistance.
Regards
Alan Yildiz