Today the Victorian and Commonwealth governments announced a support package for the current circuit breaker lockdown. We are pleased to see specific support for businesses not registered for GST and to let you know the Business Costs Assistance Program extension is now open until 13 August.
Targeted support for Events has not yet been mentioned. We have been in touch with senior government figures to advocate for event support for the current lockdown, and asked when applications will open for the July lockdown event support.
COVID-19 Disaster Payments
Eligible workers across the state who lose hours due to the lockdown will be eligible for support through the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Disaster Payment, as will businesses that do not qualify for Victorian Government support programs because they are not registered for GST.
Applications for the August lockdown will open soon here: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/covid-19-disaster-payment
Business Costs Assistance Program
Under the new State-Commonwealth business support package confirmed today, more than 90,000 businesses will be automatically paid a Business Costs Assistance Program Round Three grant of $2,800 – an allocation of $266 million.
Business Costs Assistance Program EXTENSION
This program is for businesses that have not received a grant under the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two. If you had not previously applied or have recently become eligible you can now apply to be part of this program. Applications close 13 August.
Small Business COVID Hardship Fund
Some $54 million will be added to the Small Business COVID Hardship Fund announced last week, allowing grants of up to $8,000 to be paid to small businesses that are not eligible for support under existing programs and have experienced a 70 per cent reduction in turnover. This grant is not yet open.
Stay safe, Be kind.