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Support for local businesses
Information Guide for local businesses during The COVID-19 Crisis
Border Crossing Information:
NSW – VIC Border residents can cross the border without permits.
Photo ID required to cross
More Information
NSW – VIC Border residents can cross the border without permits.
Photo ID required to cross
More Information
Victoria’s new permit system for all domestic travel into the state
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Red Zone
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Orange Zone
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Green Zone
Understanding the red zone:
- A red zone means if you have visited this area in the past 14 days you will not be allowed to enter Victoria without an exception or exemption. You will be turned away if you try to enter Victoria at a land border.
- Returned Victorian travellers arriving by plane or by water without a valid reason or exemption will be required to self-isolate at home for 14 days and will receive a fine of $4,957.
- Interstate residents presenting at an airport or seaport without a valid reason or exemption will be fined $4,957 and returned to their destination on the next available flight. If this requires an overnight stay, these individuals will need to stay in hotel quarantine until their departure.
Understanding the orange zone:
- An orange zone means you will be able to apply for a permit and will need to take a coronavirus (COVID-19) test within 72 hours after arriving in Victoria, isolating both before and after your test, until you receive a negative result.
Understanding the green zone:
- A green zone means you will be able to apply for a permit and enter Victoria. Once in Victoria, you should watch for symptoms and get tested if you feel unwell.
- From Monday, 18 January, the Victorian Public Service will be able to return to on-site work at 25 per cent capacity at each site and all other office workplaces will be able to increase to 50 per cent capacity.
- Masks are mandatory on all domestic flights, at airports, in hospitals, on public transport, in commercial passenger vehicles, at supermarkets and other large indoor retail locations, including shopping centres.
- Recommended that Victorians wear a mask in other situations if physical distancing is not possible.
Federal Support:
https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/businesses– General overview of government stimulus packages and initiatives
https://www.business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business– specific information for businesses on government support and trading restrictions
Evections to be put on hold over the next six months for commercial and residential tenancies experiencing financial distress. Tenants and landlords are encouraged to work together to agree on temporary lease amendments.
Providing eligible businesses a wage subsidy of $1500 per eligible employee, for a maximum of six months. Includes employees who were engaged in employment at 1 March 2020.
https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-03/Fact_sheet_Info_for_Employers_1.pdf
Lifting the threshold to $150,000 (from $30,000) and expanding access to businesses with aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million) until 30 June 2020.
A time limited 15 month investment incentive to support business investment and economic growth over the short term, by accelerating depreciation deductions.
The Boosting Cash Flow for Employers measure will provide up to $100,000 back to business, with a minimum payment of $2,000 for eligible businesses. The payment will provide temporary cash flow support to small and medium businesses that employ staff. The payment will be tax free.
Temporary increase of the threshold at which creditors can issue a statutory demand on a company, and the time companies have to respond to statutory demands they receive. Also includes temporary relief for directors from any personal liability for trading while insolvent, and temporary flexibility in elements of the Corporations Act 2001.
If you employ an apprentice or trainee you may be eligible for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of their wage paid from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020. You can register for the subsidy from early April 2020.
Funds of up to $1 billion available for both during recovery and recovery, to be spent through existing or newly established Government programs or initiatives
Established within The Treasury with the aim to engage with peak business and industry on systemic issues as a result of Coronavirus.
https://treasury.gov.au/policy-topics/business-and-industry/coronavirus-business-liaison-unit
Victorian Support:
A comprehensive guide including links to economic packages, support funds, restrictions, business continuity and recovery plans and other information useful to businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Includes details on Payroll Tax Refunds, liquor licence fee waivers, Business Support Fund, Working for Victoria Fund, land tax deferral, and other information useful to businesses during 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, or completing the online form here: https://www.business.vic.gov.au/contact-us
Other General Information:
To find information on financial assistance, eligibility and timing for new government support.
The ATO will provide administrative relief for certain tax obligations (similar to relief provided following the bushfires) for taxpayers affected by the Coronavirus outbreak, on a case-by-case basis. Contact the ATO on 1800 806 218 or visit the ATO website at ato.gov.au for more information
People who are unable to attend work because they have been diagnosed with the Coronavirus or who are in isolation, may qualify for income support if they do not have any employer leave entitlements.
https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-03/Fact_sheet-Assistance_for_households.pdf
The VCCI offer a range of support and advice for business, including a range of links and guides to support Victorian business during the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond.
If the impacts of Coronavirus (COVID-19) are causing financial hardship for your business, your bank may have practical ways to help. Australian banks have hardship teams ready to assist you with your financial arrangements, depending on your circumstances.
Download the fact sheet to see some of the ways your bank can help you when you’re experiencing financial difficulty and see a list of Australian bank hardship team contact details.
Mental Health Support:
Offering general and Coronavirus specific crisis support though a range of channels.
Offering general and Coronavirus specific information and support to help people to achieve their best possible mental health.
A range of resources and tips to support the mental health of small business owners and employees:
https://www.headsup.org.au/healthy-workplaces/for-small-businesses
