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 - KEY FACTS
Stage 4 restrictions are in place as of 6pm Sunday 2 August for metropolitan Melbourne. Regional Victoria enters stage 3 from 5 August.
Stay within 5km from home for shopping and exercise.
Use of face coverings is mandatory throughout Victoria.
From 2 August, a curfew has been in place in metropolitan Melbourne. Curfews are in operation from 8pm to 5am every evening.
From 11:59 on 5 August business restrictions apply. Services and industries that are able to remain operational will be required to have a COVID-Safe Plan. Employers that require staff to attend a work site must issue a work permit.
Commercial fishing, aquaculture, seafood transport, wholesale, processing and retail sectors remain open for business.
VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR SEAFOOD The Victorian Government has established an economic survival package to support Victorian businesses and workers through the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are a number of key items that industry need to be aware of following the recent announcements, and they are:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Test Isolation and Worker Support Payments 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).
Creating a COVID Safe Workplace All open businesses and services from 5 August will need to have a COVID Safe Plan. The plan helps to protect your workers, customers, and visitors and to prepare for a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in your workplace.
For commercial fishers and aquaculture operations in Regional Victoria beyond the Stage 4 area, and entering into Stage 3 restrictions, there is no requirement to have a COVID Safe Plan, however, it is recommended to have one developed and implemented to ensure any transmission and traceability is captured and recorded.
High Risk COVID Safe Plan If you are a high risk industry (construction, warehousing and distribution, supermarket and medical distribution centres) your COVID Safe Plan must be complemented by a High Risk COVID Safe Plan if you operate in metropolitan Melbourne.
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.
COVID Safe Plan FAQ's click here: Permitted Worker Scheme From 11:59 on Wednesday 5 August, employers that require their staff to attend a work site must issue a worker permit to their employees.
Business Support Package The Business Support Package provides more support to help business and workers through to the other side of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Business Support Fund - Expansion $5000-$10,000 grants to support businesses in Metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria through the renewed restrictions.
Mental Health Support Package The mental health support package will ensure Victorians dealing with the compounding challenges of running a small business can get the support they need as they navigate their way through the crisis.
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.
Travel within Australia Some states and territories in Australia have closed their borders to non-essential travel due to COVID-19. Each state or territory has their own entry requirements. The most up to date information about entry conditions, forms and requirements is on the government website of the state and territory you are travelling to. For more information click here
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
Cash flow assistance for businesses to $100,000 Small and medium sized businesses, and not‑for-profits (including charities) that employ people, with a minimum payment of $20,000. Providing 50 per cent wage subsidies to eligible employers of apprentices and trainees for up to nine months from 1 January to 30 September 2020.
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 Maximum total size of loans of $250,000 per borrower.
The Government will provide eligible lenders with a guarantee for loans with the following terms:
SMEs, including sole traders, with a turnover of up to $50 million.
Loans will be up to three years, with an initial six-month repayment holiday.
Unsecured finance, meaning that borrowers will not have to provide an asset as security for the loan.
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: