Here we go again…

Hope our friends in Sydney are staying strong, whilst Victorians, fingers crossed we get through this one nice and quick.

 

When will our industry catch a break?

 

The NSW and Federal Governments have announced a series of new measures to support business during extended lockdowns.  Keep in mind, the majority of the below are only for businesses in NSW. Hopefully the Victorian government follow suit with additional measures.

 

We’ve been supporting you through these challenging times from day one so make sure you reach out to our team for any advice on these new measures and how you, or your business can access these funds.

2021 COVID-19 Business Grant of up to $15,000 (NSW)

The previously announced small business grants have been increased to up to $15,000 and expanded to eligible businesses (including not-for-profits and sole traders) with annual wages of up to $10 million.

 

The value of the grant is determined by the impact of the lockdown on your turnover.

Your business will need to prove a decline in turnover across a minimum 2 week period after the commencement of the major restrictions.

 

 

 

The full eligibility criteria is still being released so we will keep an eye out for that.

Applications open on 19 July 2021 through ServiceNSW.

 

Cashflow Support of up to $10,000 (NSW)

A cashflow payment between a minimum of $1,500 and maximum of $10,000 per week based on 40% of the NSW payroll payments of your business (including not-for-profits).

 

Businesses without employees that meet the eligibility criteria such as sole traders, will be able to access a payment of $1,000 per week.

 

Eligibility:

  • Annual turnover between $75,000 and $50 million
  • Demonstrate a 30% decline in turnover
  • Maintain your full time, part time and long term casual staffing level as of 13 July 2021
  • Impacted by the current Greater Sydney COVID-19 restrictions

 

The full eligibility details, including the details on the turnover test and how the headcount will work have not been released as yet.

 

Applications for the cashflow support have not yet opened but you can register your interest from 14 July 2021 through ServiceNSW.

$1,500 Micro Business Grants (NSW)

A new grant for micro businesses (including sole traders) providing $1,500 per fortnight while lockdown restrictions apply. The grants are available from week one of the lockdown until restrictions are eased.

 

Eligibility:

  • Annual turnover of more than $30,000 and less than $75,000
  • Demonstrate a 30% decline in turnover
  • Impacted by the current Greater Sydney COVID-19 restrictions

 

Applications for the cashflow support have not yet opened but you can register your interest from 14 July 2021 through ServiceNSW.

Payroll tax relief (NSW)

There have been a few payroll tax deferrals due to the lockdowns, but important to note that previous payroll tax deferrals and payment arrangements for 2020-21 due in July 2021 have not been deferred.

 

Further details of the specifics found here  RevenueNSW.

 

Rent protections and grants  (NSW)

Commercial and retail rent protections will be reinstituted.

 

Land tax relief equal to the value of rent reductions provided by commercial, retail and residential landlords to financially distressed tenants will be available for up to 100% of the 2021 land tax liability.

Arts community support (NSW)

A $75 million support package will be provided to the performing arts sector to be administered by Create NSW.

 

The package will be delivered in two stages:

 

  • Immediate support to provide relief to eligible organisations who were staging performances during the period covered by the Public Health Orders.
  • Funding available to support eligible organisations to reschedule performances once it is safe for restrictions to ease.

 

Eligible organisations include performing arts organisations with heavy reliance on box office income, including not-for-profit performing arts companies who were staging, or scheduled to stage performances during the lockdown period, commercial producers and some live music venues.

 

Organisations will need to provide evidence of performances scheduled, venues and average ticket prices.

 

CreateNSW will open applications from 23 July 2021.

 

COVID-19 Disaster Payments

The COVID-19 Disaster Payment is a weekly payment available to eligible workers who can’t attend work or who have lost income because of a lockdown and don’t have access to certain paid leave entitlements.

 

Payments range from $325 – 600 depending on how much work has been lost due to lockdown.

 

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment

The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is for those who have been advised by their relevant health authority to self-isolate or quarantine.

 

If you are eligible, the payment is $1,500 for each 14 day period you are advised to self-isolate or quarantine.

 

If you are uncertain of your eligibility, talk to Services Australia.

 

We suggest you ensure your business details are up to date on the Australian Business Register, and that you have a MyServiceNSW account with a business profile

 

Support Act (all)

The legends at Support Act continue to do amazing work for our industry.

 

Make sure you are familiar with the relief grants they continue to offer, and please get in touch with them if you need any additional financial or well-being support.