There is more funding on the way for foodservice workers and businesses.
Both New South Wales and Victoria have announced significant packages in response to the continuation of the lockdown in New South Wales’ case and the difficulties facing businesses coming out of lockdown in Victoria.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed today Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour will remain in lockdown until 12:01am 28 August.
“Whether you’re a worker or a business … please know you will be supported during this time,” said Premier Berejiklian.
“I appreciate personally what we are asking people to do for the next four weeks, but we want to make sure we can bounce back as soon as possible.”
The financial support will be provided on a weekly basis by the Federal government and the New South Wales government. Premier Berejiklian said only one application will be required to access support.
“We will be expanding our Job Saver program to make sure more businesses are eligible to access those payments,” said NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet.
Key points include:
- Annual turnover threshold turnover changed to $250 million
- Weekly maximum payments increased to $100,000
- $1000 per week payment to individual sole traders dating back to 18 July
“We want to make sure that workers remain connected to their businesses as we move through this lockdown period,” said the NSW Treasurer.
Financial help for individuals has been outlined by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
“We will be further increasing support to individuals through the Covid Disaster payment across the state of NSW,” said Prime Minister Morrison.
“We will be increasing from next week the maximum payment of $600 to $750 and we will be increasing the payment for less than 20 hours from $375 to $450.
“In addition, we will be extending support to those on welfare payments, they will be able to receive a payment of $200” if they have lost more than 8 hours of work per week.
Victoria has also announced a raft of support packages, which will be shared 50/50 between the Victorian government and the Federal government.
$5,000 grants will be available to businesses affected by capacity limits. An additional $2,000 grant will be issued for businesses in the CBD affected by reduced foot traffic.
These grants are accessible to businesses that were eligible for or received the Business Cost Assistance Program.
Pubs (that have received or qualified for the 2021 Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund) will be able to access a dedicated $20,000 grant along with the CBD grant where applicable.
Small businesses with a payroll of up to $10 million and a 70 per cent reduction in revenue that have not been eligible for support funds will be able to access grants of up to $5,000.
Rent relief is also covered; The Commercial Tenancies Relief Scheme will be reinstated and provide support to commercial tenants.
More details will be released shortly.
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