On 2 August 2020 Victorian Premier Dan Andrews announced a state of disaster for Victoria along with a stricter stay at home rules. This was followed on 3 August 2020 by further announcements regarding restrictions for businesses in Metropolitan Melbourne and Stage 3 restrictions for the rest of Victoria.
For full detail of the Premier’s announcements click here.
While many businesses have already moved to work remotely the most recent announcement will be challenging for many business owners and their employees as tough decisions are made.
We have put together some of the Government assistance initiatives available throughout this shutdown period.
JobKeeper for August & September
For those businesses that already qualified for JobKeeper during the first round, their payments will continue as normal until the end of September. They will then need to reassess under JobKeeper 2.0.
Those businesses that didn’t qualify for JobKeeper previously and must now shut could now be eligible under the current JobKeeper rules. If you project your business will suffer a decline in turnover more than the threshold (30% decline for businesses and 15% for NFPs) then your business may qualify for the months of August and September 2020.
If you would like assistance in determining your business eligibility, please contact your Lynden Group Melbourne advisor.
State Government Assistance
The Victorian Government announced further support for businesses affected by the new restrictions through the Business Support Fund – Expansion Program.
Under the Program, eligible businesses that employ staff can receive:
• $10,000 if based in metro Melbourne and Mitchell Shire
• $5,000 if based in regional local government areas (except Mitchell Shire)
Those businesses that have already applied for compensation under the Business Support Fund will not need to reapply. Applications are extended until 14 September 2020. For more details, click here or contact our Lynden Group Melbourne advisor.
Rent Relief
Businesses that previously couldn’t access rent relief due to not being eligible for JobKeeper or having the required decline in income, may now qualify.
For more information on rent relief, see the below resources.
Pandemic Leave
The Federal Government has announced a $1,500 pandemic leave disaster payment for those that are required to self-isolate for 14 days with no more sick leave available to them.
The payment can be accessed multiple times for those required to self-isolate on more than one occasion.
At this stage, it’s only available in Victoria given it has been declared a state of disaster.
For more information regarding this worker, support payment click here.
We're here for you
While the impact of COVID-19 is being felt in Australia and across the world, we’re well placed to help you through this challenging time. COVID-19 represents another seismic change; one we’re ready to tackle head-on. Lynden Group Melbourne continues to grow and adapt to provide the best advice and services we can to our clients in the middle market.
Our team are ‘all in.’ They’re working tirelessly to support clients through this time and to bring you the latest news and advice. Should you need any additional support, please contact us via phone 03 8548 1843 or email hagar.lipa@lyndengroup.com.au.
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