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$130 BILLION JOBKEEPER PAYMENT SUPPORTS BUSINESSES TO KEEP AUSTRALIANS IN A JOB
The Australian Government this week announced an historic wage subsidy that will allow businesses to retain their employees, providing a flat payment of $1,500 per fortnight to eligible workers, before tax.
The $130 billion JobKeeper payment will help keep approximately 6 million Australians in jobs as the Government tackles the significant economic impact from the coronavirus.
The payment will be open to eligible businesses that receive a significant financial hit caused by the coronavirus.
For workers in the accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors it will equate to a full median replacement wage.
The key details on the JobKeeper payment are as follows:
- The payment will go to employers, for up to six months, for each eligible employee who was on their books on 1 March 2020 and is retained or continues to be engaged by that employer
- Where a business has stood down employees since 1 March, the payment will help them maintain connection with their employees
- Employers will receive a payment of $1,500 per fortnight per eligible employee. Every eligible employee must receive at least $1,500 per fortnight from this business, before tax
- The program commenced Monday 30 March 2020, with the first payments to be received by eligible businesses in the first week of May as monthly arrears from the Australian Taxation Office
- Eligible businesses can distribute the JobKeeper payment immediately and will be reimbursed from the first week of May
- Full time and part time employees, including stood down employees, are eligible to receive the JobKeeper Payment. Casual employees who have been engaged for the previous 12 months are also eligible
- Eligible employers include: Those with annual turnover of less than $1 billion who self-assess that have a reduction in revenue of 30 per cent or more, since 1 March 2020 over a minimum one-month period; employers with an annual turnover of $1 billion or more must demonstrate a 50 per cent reduction in revenue; and self-employed individuals
Eligible businesses can apply for the payment online and are able to register their interest via ato.gov.au
For more information see the Australian Government website.
STAY HOME, STAY SAFE
The Australian and NSW Governments have stepped up measures to further control the spread of the virus, advising Australians must stay at home.
Latest Government Orders instruct that people must stay at home unless undertaking essential activities being:
- Shopping for essentials (food and necessary supplies)
- Medical or health care needs
- Exercise in compliance with public gathering requirements
- Work and study if this is not possible remotely
Non-essential public gatherings are now limited to two people only, or members of a household, and this applies to indoor and outdoor activities.
As such, further public facilities and activities are either closed - playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms - or restricted, such as bootcamps which can have a maximum of two people.
For the latest advice about public gatherings and self-isolation requirements, visit NSW.gov.au.
NSW Health Orders advise that people must not travel to regional areas, as this is not a "reasonable excuse" for leaving the house. Anyone who does travel will be breaching Orders and may be subject to heavy penalties.
In line with this advice, NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro today called on all people to cancel non-essential travel to regional NSW towns and communities, in particular over Easter. Mr Barilaro said that metropolitan and regional residents should not visit regional NSW for a holiday, for meetings, to relocate for a longer period or to see family and friends. Read the full statement.
Tourism operators are requested to follow this advice by not promoting travel within NSW or accommodation stays until further notice. Operators who have existing bookings are encouraged to contact guests to postpone and reschedule travel and stays for another time in the future when Government advice has changed.
NSW ATTRACTIONS KEEP LOCALS, VISITORS ENTERTAINED AT HOME
While some avid travellers are making use of their ‘spare time’ by dreaming about and planning their next NSW adventures, others are simply enjoying the luxury of seeing the state’s many sights through their digital devices.
Many NSW tourism businesses have embraced this opportunity and are finding creative ways to keep the conversation alive with their fans, followers and potential future visitors:
- Mogo Wildlife Park: Do you know what giraffes eat? Just ask Mogo Zookeeper Chad! Mogo Wildlife Park is taking this opportunity to answer all your questions about the sometimes weird and always wonderful world of animals. Use the #askazookeeper hashtag or comment on Mogo Wildlife Park’s Facebook or Instagram pages and Zookeeper Chad will take you behind the scenes for the inside word on his furry (and not-so furry) friends.
- Illawarra Fly: Ever wanted to experience a zipline tour? While Illawarra Fly is currently closed to the public, its tour guides are taking Facebook viewers on a virtual rainforest adventure. No matter where you are, you’ll feel like you’re soaring among the trees.
- Museum of Contemporary Art, Australia (MCA): Dive right into the myriad artworks on display at the MCA Australia through this virtual exhibition through Google Arts and Culture. The MCA Australia focuses on the work of living artists and its collection contains more than 4,000 works by Australian artists.
We will continue to feature innovative businesses and attractions in each edition of Insights to inspire others in the sector to consider how they might engage with the public online.
If you know of more, please join the movement and share them on social media using the hashtag #LoveNSW. Follow VisitNSW (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) and Sydney (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) for future holiday inspiration and a showcase of NSW’s best attractions and experiences.
STAY UP TO DATE - RECEIVE LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICE DIRECT
Two new platforms announced by the Australian Government are providing trusted information to businesses and individuals looking for the latest COVID-19 advice and support.
The Australian Government launched an official Coronavirus Australia app on Sunday 29 March for smartphone users. The app is available on Apple and Android devices and includes a symptom checker, an isolation register, news and media, resources and advice.
The Australian Government also announced a WhatsApp service to keep people informed about the latest developments. WhatsApp users should go to www.australia.gov.au/whatsapp to register and then, through simple response commands can request information including latest news, a guide to check your symptoms, support for people and families or businesses, travel advice and State/Territory specific advice.
