Coronavirus support: an update for employers

As coronavirus restrictions continue to impact businesses in a variety of ways, the Commonwealth, Victorian, NSW and Tasmanian Governments are offering have updated their programs of financial support and/or tax relief, as well has providing access to other areas of assistance. Below is a round-up of these measures.

First Super is here to support the businesses that employ our members as they navigate the impacts of the ongoing pandemic. You can book an appointment with your local Business Development Manager or Member and Employer Services Coordinator. Please contact our Employer Services Team on 1300 943 171 or email employers@firstsuper.com.au for details.

The Government’s Economic Response to the Coronavirus

The Federal Government has announced a raft of measures to support households and businesses through the Coronavirus pandemic.

Temporary early access to super
The Federal Government is allowing eligible individuals financially impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) to access up to $10,000 of their super from 1 July 2020 until 31 December 2020.
Read more details

JobKeeper payment

If your business has been significantly impacted by the coronavirus, you will be able to access a wages subsidy to continue paying your employees.

On 21 July 2020, the Government announced it is extending the JobKeeper Payment until 28 March 2021 and is targeting support to those businesses and not-for-profits who continue to be significantly impacted by the Coronavirus.

• The existing JobKeeper Payment will remain in place until 27 September 2020. Information about the operation of the JobKeeper Payment until 27 September 2020 is available on the ATO website.
• From 28 September 2020, the JobKeeper Payment will be targeted to businesses and not-for-profits that have been most significantly impacted, the payment rates will be stepped-down and two tiers of payment will be introduced.

Read more

Supporting apprentices and trainees

To support small businesses to retain their apprentices and trainees, eligible businesses can apply for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of each apprentice’s or trainee’s wage paid during the nine months from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020.

The Government is extending and expanding the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy. As of 1 July 2020, the subsidy will be available to support small and medium businesses with fewer than 200 employees, including those using a Group Training Organisation, who retain an Australian Apprentice engaged as at 1 July 2020.

Registrations are open. Final claims must be lodged by 31 December 2021.

Read more

More details of the financial assistance, eligibility and timing for Commonwealth Government support for Australian businesses are available at:
Support for Businesses and Employers page
Coronavirus information and support for business page
Support available for companies

The Australian Government’s business hotline will give more support to small and medium businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The business.gov.au contact centre – 13 28 46 – is open from 7.00am to 9.00pm ,7 days a week.

New South Wales Government updates

Financial support for businesses hub
This includes details of updated recovery grants, webinars to help small businesses, and more

Complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan and register as a COVID Safe business.
Read more

Victoria Government updates

Expanded Business Support Program
The Business Support Fund – Expansion provides funding to businesses affected by the return to Stage 3 restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire.

Business Support Package
A $534 million Business Support Package will provide more support to help businesses and workers through to the other side of the coronavirus pandemic.

$300 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Test Isolation Payment
Victorian workers can apply for a $300 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Test Isolation Payment that provides financial support while they self-isolate to wait for the results of a coronavirus (COVID-19) test.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) business support
A hub of information about managing restrictions and support to help your workplace plan and respond to coronavirus.

Mental health in business support (VIC)
Coronavirus is causing disruptions to many business owners across the state, increasing stress levels and impacting mental health. It is important you know how to look after your own mental health, as well as that of your employees.

Tasmania Government updates

Tax relief measures for Tasmanian businesses impacted by COVID-19
Tax relief support is available for eligible Tasmanian businesses impacted by COVID-19.

COVID-19 Safe Workplaces Framework
The Government has a plan to ‘Rebuild a Stronger Tasmania’. As part of this plan, all workplaces will be required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan that complies with minimum COVID-19 safety standards. The Direction for COVID-19 Workplace Plans sets the minimum standards for workplaces to be COVID Safe

Roadmap to recovery
The Roadmap to Recovery shows the timeline of changes to restrictions as they are announced.

Business support
The Tasmanian Government is providing further support and economic stimulus to help businesses affected by COVID-19.