As NSW braces for a possible escalation in the number of locally acquired COVID-19 cases, the state government has announced two support packages available to lockdown-affected businesses.
New South Wales hospitality and tourism sectors are set to receive financial support under a state government package to compensate for losses incurred during the school holidays under the lockdown.
Hundreds of millions of dollars will be provided to cover immediate losses and compensate restaurants and catering services stuck with perishable stock after the restrictions were announced.
Tourism operators who lost bookings during the peak winter holiday period will also receive relief payments, and the state’s Dine and Discover voucher program could be expanded to include takeaway and delivery services.
Here’s what we know so far.
The grants will be divided into two streams with payments available of $5000, $7000 or $10,000 depending on eligibility criteria.
1. Small Business COVID-19 Support Grant. Available to businesses and sole traders with a turnover of more than $75,000 per annum but below the NSW Government 2020 21 payroll tax threshold of $1,200,000 as of 1 July 2020.
These businesses must have fewer than 20 full-time equivalent employees, and an Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in New South Wales or be able to demonstrate they are physically located and primarily operating in New South Wales. (Full criteria will be available in the coming days on the Service NSW website).
2. Hospitality and Tourism COVID-19 Support Grant. Available to tourism or hospitality businesses with a turnover of more than $75,000 and an annual Australian wages bill of below $10 million, as of 1 July 2020.
These businesses must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in New South Wales or be able to demonstrate they are physically located and primarily operating in New South Wales. (Full criteria will be available in the coming days on the Service NSW website).
Other key elements of the package announced today include:
- Dine & Discover vouchers will be able to be used for takeaway from eligible and registered Dine businesses during the restriction period, but food must be delivered directly to the home by the restaurant or café and not picked up. Dine & Discover vouchers cannot be redeemed for takeaway using third party delivery platforms.
- A further one-month extension of Dine & Discover vouchers until 31 August 2021 to allow people more time to use them.
- An optional deferral of payroll tax payments due in July 2021, with the Chief Commissioner of State Revenue able to provide for appropriate repayment arrangements on a case by case basis.
More information on the small business support grants and changes to the Dine & Discover program will be available shortly on the Service NSW website.
NSW recorded only 18 local cases in the 24 hours to 8 pm on Sunday, which was a dip from the 30 cases recorded a day earlier.
Today marks the third full day of a two-week hard lockdown for the Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour regions.
Source: AAP