THE BUSINESS CONNECTION:

Special Edition

Making Sense of the Economic Response

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EVENTS

DIRECTORY

On 30 March, the Government announced the $130 billion JobKeeper Payment to help keep Australians in jobs as we deal with the significant economic impact from the Coronavirus. This brings the Government’s total support for the economy to $320 billion across the forward estimates, representing 16.4 per cent of annual GDP.

The Government’s economic response targets these key areas:

As more information becomes available Business Wodonga will seek to keep all members informed and updated. Please keep an eye out for future newsletters and posts on our social media pages.

Australian Treasury Website

Business Wodonga is working hard to bring you fast, timely and relevant information. To ensure that our members are heard and supported to the best possible level we are meeting with councils, both locally and across the state, state and federal elected officials and local business owners. From those meetings we are developing communication strategies and innovative ways to bring you solutions to the challenges that are being felt.

We will be asking for feedback later this week about how you are being impacted and what could help your business and the community around us. This information will be vital in ensuring we offer what each business needs the most to help now and long into the recovery period. We will keep it as brief as possible as we are aware how busy and chaotic this time is for everyone but we encourage everyone to take the time to ensure their voice is heard.

As always, we are here for you and if you require additional assistance, need help finding information, have something that we should be aware of or would just like to reach out, please don't hesitate to contact anyone of the team at Business Wodonga, Neil, Nikolina & Shannon. We are actively monitoring all the various options of communication available, phone, emails or social media platforms, and would happily take the time to connect directly during this time of social distancing but not social isolation.

Support for Local Businesses

Slowing the Spread

Stage 3 restrictions are now in place

Under the Stage 3 restrictions, the new directions mean that what was previously advice about staying home is now enforceable.

Playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms are now closed.

These Stage 3 restrictions came into effect at 11:59pm Monday 30 March 2020. They will be in place for 4 weeks and reviewed as required.

If people breach these directions, they face on-the-spot fines of $1,652 for individuals and $9,913 for businesses. Larger fines can also be issued through the courts.

The only 4 reasons to be out are:

shopping for what you need - food and essential supplies
medical, care or compassionate needs
exercise in compliance with the public gathering requirements
work and study if you can’t work or learn remotely

Full Details Here

Business Support

Coronavirus information and support for business

Find financial assistance, eligibility and timing for the new government support for Australian businesses.

Business.gov.au Website

JobKeeper payment

This program is totaling $130 billion designed to help keep more Australians in jobs and support businesses affected by the significant economic impacted.

Eligible workers will receive a fortnightly payment of $1,500 (before tax) through their employer.

The payment ensures eligible employers remain connected to their workforce and will help businesses restart quickly when the crisis is over.

More Information

JobKeeper Payment for Sole Traders

Sole traders may be eligible to receive the JobKeeper Payment if their turnover has reduced. Following registration by the eligible business, the Government will provide $1,500 per fortnight per eligible employee for a maximum of 6 months. This will support sole traders to maintain their income and connection with employees.

Information for Sole Traders

Be Aware of Coronavirus Scams

Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of the spread of coronavirus to exploit and play on the fears of businesses and consumers across Australia. It is very difficult at times to know what communication is official.

It is important to stay informed, not alarmed.

Protect yourself from scammers

VICTORIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ASSISTANCE

DID YOU KNOW?

Your membership with Business Wodonga includes a membership to the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for free?

See all the additional benefits at their website.

Membership Benefits

COVID-19 Employer Guide

Managing the workplace in the face of the outbreak

VCCI have set out this information booklet in a way to address the key safety and employment issues, outlining the base position and then additional questions that may arise from the current and evolving situation faced by Victorian Businesses.

Download PDF Here

If your business is being affected by COVID-19, there are resources that can help on the VCCI website.

Business closures
Government economic rescue measures
Health information and guidance
Workplace impacts
Financial impacts
Trade and export assistance
Other resources

Additional Resources

Health Support Services

More help will be given to millions of Australians battling the devastating impacts of coronavirus with a $1.1 billion package which boosts mental health services, domestic violence support, Medicare assistance for people at home and emergency food relief.

More Info Here

Mental health support

An initial $74 million will be provided to support the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians.

The Government’s digital mental health portal, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au), will be a single source of authoritative information and guidance on how to maintain good mental health during the coronavirus pandemic and in self-isolation, how to support children and loved ones, and how to access further mental health services and care.

Head to Health

Lighter Links to Enjoy

Learning From the Lounge

Upskilling, study and learning is a great way to use time indoors productively. Explore the free TAFE online learning for priority courses options, tune into educational podcasts and webinars or thumb through some informative books from your local library.

Walk the Parks from inside your home

See the outdoors from an entirely new perspective! Explore and discover the world with Google Maps where you can take a virtual trek through NSW National Parks or street view places you’ve never seen before.

Visit the Top Attractions

A number of virtual experiences are being offered by the state's top attractions such as The Australian Ballet and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, listed here. Take a virtual learning adventure with Museum at Home, or enjoy a moment with the animals from Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo via live stream cameras.