Federal and NSW govts announce Covid support package for Sydney businesses and residents

·

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, and NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet have announced a cash boost for Sydney businesses and households affected by the lockdown. 

Under a new combined support package, the COVID-19 Disaster Payment will be further expanded and increased. The Commonwealth and NSW will also enter into a new 50/50 cost sharing arrangement for a new business support payment to be implemented and administered by NSW.

From week four of a lockdown because of a Commonwealth Government declared hotspot, the COVID-19 Disaster Payment will increase to $600 if a person has lost 20 or more hours of work a week or $375 if a person has lost between 8 and less than 20 hours of work a week.

The Commonwealth and NSW have also agreed that from 18 July 2021 the COVID-19 Commonwealth Disaster Payment will be available to those outside Commonwealth declared hotspots in NSW that meet the criteria for the payment. 

Sydney businesses have been struggling during the lockdown.

The NSW Government will fund any payments outside a Commonwealth declared hotspot, with the Commonwealth continuing to fund payments to recipients in a Commonwealth declared hotspot. 

This support will be offered to any other state or territory that experiences an extended lockdown.

A new business support payment will also be available to entities with an annual turnover between $75,000 and $50 million who can demonstrate a 30 per cent decline in turnover.

To receive the payment, eligible entities will be required to maintain their full time, part time and long term casual staffing level as of 13 July 2021.

Eligible entities, which includes not-for-profits, will receive payments of between $1,500 and $10,000 per week based on the level of their payroll. For non-employing businesses, such as sole traders, the payment will be set at $1,000 per week.

Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, said as the pandemic evolved so did the responses from the Commonwealth and state governments.

Scott Morrison made the announcement today.

“Up until now, the Commonwealth has provided the same support to that offered to all other states and territories, consistent with the national approach agreed by National Cabinet last month,” the Prime Minister said.

“As the outbreak has worsened well beyond what we have recently seen in other states and territories, it is in the national interest to enable increased assistance, in partnership with the NSW Government, for workers, business and households, to ensure the lockdown can be maintained to arrest the latest outbreak.

“This new support represents a new national approach and will apply to other states and territories in the event they face similar circumstances.”

The Commonwealth and NSW governments will also deliver a $17.35 million mental health support package for NSW including for services through Lifeline, headspace and Kid’s Helpline.

NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, said the support package would help businesses and families across NSW get through a difficult period.

Gladys Berejiklian.

“Our number one priority remains the health and safety of the people of NSW while also keeping our economy strong as we manage the current COVID-19 challenge,” the NSW Premier said.

“We are pleased to be able to increase our targeted support in conjunction with the Commonwealth and this assistance will ensure we get through the lockdown and come out stronger on the other side.” 

NSW Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, said the Morrison Government was stepping up to support NSW households and business when they need it most as the state seeks to suppress the delta variant.

“The outbreak in NSW is a timely reminder we are still in the midst of a global pandemic and that there is much work to do to secure our economic recovery,” the Treasurer said.

“The new small business support payment, to be funded on a 50/50 basis with the NSW Government, will support up to an estimated 500,000 entities employing more than 3 million people.”

NSW Treasurer, Dominic Perrottet, says the package will help thousands of businesses.

NSW Treasurer, Dominic Perrottet, said the package would help thousands of businesses across the State.

“We have done this before and we can do it again and this targeted support will help those who need it,” the NSW Treasurer said.

“If you’re a worker, a sole trader, a small or medium business or a big employer – we’ve got your back.

“This package will help families and businesses weather the current storm and ensure we can hit the ground running once this current outbreak is under control.”

More information will be available on the Service NSW website later this week.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Greek authorities fear “second wave” of COVID-19 as cases of infected tourists rise

Greek health authorities are on high alert after a total of 103 COVID-19 cases have now been recorded since the country opened to mass tourism on July 1.

5 fast facts about the Corinth Canal

The Corinth Canal is a waterway that crosses the narrow isthmus of Corinth to link the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf.

Andy Koronios: The Greek behind Australia’s Space Sector Revolution

Adelaide-based SmartSat Cooperative Centre (CRC) CEO and Managing Director, Professor Andy Koronios, leads SA's first satellite program.