**Restriction updates**
As at 2 August – Stage 4 restrictions are in place across metropolitan Melbourne.
For regional Victoria, Stage 3 restrictions apply. Please keep an eye on changes and updates to support your family and your business. It is now enforceable, by law, to wear a face mask when leaving home state-wide. For advice on face coverings, please visit https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/face-coverings-covid-19
A Business Support Fund – Expansion program has been released to assist Victoria businesses – please view more here https://www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/business-support-package/business-support-fund
New travel restrictions are in place across the country. Refer to local updates below for more information.
***
With changes to our nation changing, almost daily, it’s important to keep up to date with restrictions, business grants and communications.
We have compiled a range of useful resources relevant for our community so you can be guided with the most up to date and latest information in one space.
National and local Government health updates
The COVIDSafe App launched within Australia. The more Australians that connect to the app, the faster they can track the virus, and slow down the spread. The new COVIDSafe app is completely voluntary. Downloading the app is something you can do today to protect you, your family, and friends and save the lives of other Australians.
Read more around the app and FAQs here.
To download;
Apple App Store, click here
Googleplay, click here
A specific Whatsapp group has been set up by the Australian Government to send you specific information around COVID-19 as required by you. Be it information around health, business benefits and protecting you and your family. Simply send a blank message via Whatsapp to phone number 0400 253 787 and follow the prompts.
The Australian Government, Department of Health is monitoring and responding to the outbreak regularly. For the most accurate information on COVID-19: Read more here.
Local Government updates
As restrictions ebb and flow, It’s important to focus on your local state and communities for changing restrictions that may affect you, your family and your business.
We recommend the 3-step Framework as a reference guide when keeping up to date with your state.
NSW Government VIC Government QLD Government WA Government
SA Government TAS Government NT Government ACT Government
Stimulus Package and Government assistance:
Navigating the Stimulus Package options to suit you and your business can be an overwhelming and, potentially, stressful exercise. Below are a few handy hits we’ve compiled to assist you in guiding you through. We’re only a call away, please do reach out if you need to talk through any of your concerns.
The Australian Government is supporting Australian businesses to manage cash flow challenges and retain employees. Assistance includes cash flow support to businesses and temporary measures to provide relief for financially distressed businesses. See here here.
The Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme will provide small and medium sized business with timely access to working capital to help them get through the impact of the Coronavirus. Visit Australian Department – The Treasury webpage to learn more here.
The initial phase of the Scheme remains available for new loans made by participating lenders until 30 September 2020. The second phase of the Scheme will start on 1 October 2020 and will be available for loans made until 30 June 2021.
Mandatory Code of Conduct here.
The Australian Government is extending the JobKeeper Payment by a further six months to March 2021. Support will be targeted to businesses and not-for-profits that continue to be significantly impacted by the Coronavirus. The payment rate will be reduced and a lower payment rate will be introduced for those who work fewer hours. Other eligibility rules remain unchanged. For further information on the extension, visit here and here.
Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package has concluded, as at 28 June 2020.
Business Owners and Individuals
The NCCC– National COVID-19 Coordination Commission has two key roles: to help minimise and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 on jobs and businesses, and to facilitate the fastest possible recovery of lives and livelihoods.
We recommend you review the ‘resources’ tab for a detailed checklist in setting your business up for a sustainable and safe future.
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) have recognised businesses may be faced with troubling situations, review their 'Employer Guide' to Managing the workplace in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak. Review here https://www.australianchamber.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19-Employer-Guide-Ed-2-160320.pdf
Australian Tax Office (ATO) has built a dedicated COVID-19 resource page where you can find up to date information on how to prepare for tax time for individuals and businesses through this outbreak. Read here https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Dealing-with-disasters/In-detail/Specific-disasters/COVID-19/
Find out about your workplace entitlements and obligations if you or your teams are affected by the outbreak of covid-19, including information about stand downs from work, working arrangements impacted by school closures, and pay and sick leave entitlements.
Fair Work Australia have pulled together a resource on your rights and responsibilities at work during the Coronavirus outbreak. See here https://coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au/
The Australian Government is providing financial assistance to Australians. This assistance includes income support payments, payments to support households and temporary early releases of superannuation. Learn more here.
Working from home is the new norm for many of us, the ATO have pulled together a brief overview on tax benefits, deductions and expenses you need to be aware of when speaking to your accountant. Learn More.
We also recommend keeping an eye on the Reserve Bank of Australia for moving cash rates at https://www.rba.gov.au/
RBNZ https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/
Staying positive and healthy
Health isn’t just about the body, it’s important to keep your mental state healthy and calm. ‘Head to Health’ provides practical and psychological skills to help you and your loved ones cope with anxiety around infectious diseases https://headtohealth.gov.au/covid-19-support
Lifeline have compiled some mental health and wellbeing tips and strategies to continue looking after ourselves and each other here.
Phone: 13 11 14 (24 hours/7 days)
Text: 0477 13 11 14 (6pm – midnight AEDT, 7 nights)
Chat online: https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat (7pm - midnight, 7 nights)
The outbreak has impacted people across the world in various ways. From feeling isolated, worried for family and friends, anxious over their business and overwhelmed by the ever changing world.