Major economic package to support NSW small business and individuals during lockdown

The Australian and NSW Governments have announced a major economic support package aimed at supporting businesses and individuals through the current COVID-19 lockdown. The commitment of $5.1 billion includes more than $1 billion from the Commonwealth.

Key components of the 2021 COVID-19 package for businesses include:

* An extension to the previously announced business grants program. This means eligible businesses with Australian wages below $10 million can claim grants between $7,500 and $15,000 to cover the first three-weeks of restrictions.

* A “JobSaver” employee retention scheme providing cashflow support to businesses to help them retain staff. The cash boost will be up to 40% of weekly payroll with a payment of between $1,500 to a maximum of $10,000 per week, provided staffing levels are maintained at the level as of 13 July 2021. Non-employing businesses are eligible for $1,000 per week.

*A new grants program for micro businesses with a turnover of between $30,000 and $75,000 which experience a decline in turnover of 30 per cent. The businesses will be eligible for a $1,500 payment per fortnight of restrictions. For more details go to: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/2021-covid-19-business-grant

* Payroll tax waivers of 25 per cent for businesses with Australian wages bills of between $1.2 million and $10 million that have experienced a 30 per cent decline in turnover, as well as payroll tax deferrals and interest free repayment plans.

* Land tax relief equal to the value of rent reductions provided by commercial, retail and residential landlords, up to 100 per cent of the 2021 land tax year liability.

* A requirement on landlords to participate in mediation before taking actions to evict or lock out tenants. 

* An increase in the payment amount for stood down workers from $500 to $600 per week for those who lost more than 20 hours, and to $375 for those who lost between 8 and 20 hours, and available to workers outside of the Greater Sydney lockdown areas.

* Deferral of gaming tax assessments for clubs until 21 December 2021 and hotels until 21 January 2021.

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

* A $26 million support package for the accommodation sector.

* Expanded mental health services with programs targeted at young people and CALD communities.

Small business tenants or landlords requiring mediation over their retail or commercial lease can contact https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/contact

Read about the Commission’s mediation service at https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/get-help/disputes/how-does-mediation-work

Further details on the Government’s support package, including eligibility, will be available at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/covid-19-business-support-2021