COVID-19 information is constantly being updated. To keep our members informed, SIV has provided a summary of state and Federal support available to industry with links to key information. Please appreciate that this is a rapidly evolving situation so the information contained is based on what is current and will be updated as more information is released.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW - Coronavirus Roadmap to Re-opening From 22 November, restrictions have been eased across Victoria bringing regional Victoria and Metropolitan Melbourne in line. Key points
Ring of Steel has been taken down. Travel into regional Victoria now allowed.
Masks will no longer be mandatory if outdoors and a safe distance can be kept, but Victorians will need to carry a mask at all times in case the situation changes. Masks still need to be worn when indoors and on public transport - and where distance cannot be kept.
Roadmaps by Region - How we live Metropolitan Melbourne - Last Step (current from 22 November 2020) Full step restrictions information click here
Regional Victoria - Last Step (current from 22 November 2020) Full step restrictions information click here
Industry Restrictions by Region - How we work If permitted to do so, business and industry must operate in Victoria based on the following COVIDSafe principles:
ensure physical distancing (1.5 metres)
wear a mask or face covering
practice good hygiene
keep good records and act quickly if staff become unwell
avoid interactions in close spaces
Metropolitan Melbourne industry restrictions. From 11:59pm on Sunday 22 November, Last step business restrictions are in place across Metropolitan Melbourne.
Small workplaces with less than 40 workers can have up to ten workers return to the workplace.
For medium and large workplaces that have not previously been able to open for onsite work, up to 25% of the workers may return to the office with staggered arrival and departure times recommended.
From the 30 November up to 25 percent of workers will be able to head back to the office. Importantly, unless you have been nominated by your employer to attend onsite you need to keep working from home.
Work Premises must have a completed COVIDSafe Plan if they have on-site operations.
If you are a high risk industry (construction, warehousing and distribution, supermarket and medical distribution centres) you are required to have a High Risk COVID Safe Plan.If you are an abattoir or meat processing (including seafood and poultry), you must complete a High Risk COVID Safe Plan regardless of where you operate in Victoria.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Business Support The Victorian Government has announced a $3 billion package to help businesses survive and keep Victorians in jobs. The package includes:
The third round of the Business Support Fund provides grants of $20,000, $15,000 or $10,00, depending on size to around 75,00 eligible businesses with a payroll of up to $10 million. Applications opened Friday 18 September.
Sole Trader Support Fund ($100 million): The application period for the Victorian Government's Sole Trader Support Fund has been extended to 30 December to assist more sole trader businesses in specific industries operating from a commercial premises with their transition to COVID Normal. Grants of up to $3,000 are available to help with overhead costs. Full details on eligibility and how to apply click here:
$15.7 million package to help Victorian exporters get their products to market by addressing logistics and supply chain issues caused by the pandemic and establishing new trade channels through virtual trade missions and assistance adapting their export strategies in a rapidly changing global market.
The Victorian Government is providing one off payments to financially support Victorian workers, including parents and guardians, who are required to self-isolate or quarantine due to coronavirus (COVID-19). More information click here
The Small Business Digital Adaptation Program will allow eligible businesses to trial and then receive access to digital products, tools and training they can use to build digital capability in their day-to-day operations. Products currently available to businesses through this program include website, e-commerce, finance and digital business management tools. Registrations will remain open until funds are exhausted or until 11:59 on 28 February 2021. To register click here
$8.5 million to market and expand the CLICK FOR VIC campaign to promote small Victorian producer and encourage more Victorians to support local businesses.
A reminder that small business owners who are feeling stressed and overwhelmed can call the Partners in Wellbeing helpline on 1300 375 330 for wellbeing support. The service is free, confidential and available from 9am to 10pm weekdays and 9am to 5pm on weekends.
Small business owners can also access the Upskill My Business program which provides free online courses, live and on-demand events and a range of business resources to help them prepare for a strong recovery.
Local Manufacturing of Medical Supplies and PPE Coronavirus (COVID-19) has increased the demand for medical equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE). The Victorian Government has developed a range of directories to help your business find local suppliers who can assist to meet your needs.
Business Victoria HOTLINE - 13 22 15 Coronavirus (COVID-19)Update click here ____________________________________________________________________________________________
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR SEAFOOD
To support the economic recovery, the Australian Government has extended and further tailored temporary economic measures to support sectors, regions and communities in these challenging times.
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment for Victoria The Australian Government announced support for Victorians who don’t have any income because they must self-isolate or quarantine at home.
Eligibility criteria and information on how to claim can be found here
JobKeeper Payment and Coronavirus Supplement Extended The Australian Government is extending JobKeeper Payment and Coronavirus Supplement for those impacted by COVID-19. JobKeeper Payments will be extended by six months to 28 March 2021, and the Coronavirus Supplement will be extended until 31 December 2020.
From 28 September 2020, businesses and not for profits seeking to claim JobKeeper payments will be required to reassess their eligibility for the JobKeeper extension with reference to their actual turnover.
For employers participating in the Commonwealth Government’s JobKeeper program, “additional payments” you make to employees are now exempt from payroll tax. For payments to employees that have been stood down, the full $1 500 per fortnight is exempt. The additional payments are also excluded for the purposes of calculating WorkCover Premiums. For more information click here.
The ATO is administering the JobKeeper Payment and detailed information and guidance is available on the ATO website
Business Investments An increase to asset write-off threshold from $30,000 to $150,000 Businesses with aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million) until 30 June 2020.
Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme - Phase 2 The Scheme has now been extended and enhanced to support businesses in recovery and to enable continued support for SME's facing the ongoing impacts of the Coronavirus. Phase 2 includes targeted amendments to the Scheme's parameters to meet the evolving needs of SME's. Phase 2 of the Scheme will continue to support lenders' ability to provide credit and ensure that SME's benefit from low interest rates. Phase 2 of the Scheme commenced on 1 October 2020 and will be available for loans made by participating lenders until 30 June 2021.
Export Finance Australia - Business savings loan $250,000 to $50 million to assist with:
Working capital support
Capital investment
International expansion
Online growth
Export Assistance Australian businesses who are exporters or operating in an export supply chain who:
Have been trading for at least two years
Have had profitable operations in either of the two financial years prior to markets being impacted by COVID-19
Are unable to secure finance from the private market because of COVID-19
Have an annual turnover of at least $250,000
For information on the Australian Government’s economic response to coronavirus (COVID-19) click here: