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MAJOR JOBSAVER BOOST TO EXPAND COVID-19 SUPPORT
The joint NSW Government and Commonwealth JobSaver program will be significantly boosted to give greater support to businesses and individuals impacted by the ongoing restrictions in NSW and Greater Sydney.
JobSaver payments are available from week four of the lockdown and under the revised program now include:
- Businesses with an annual turnover of between $75,000 and $250 million, up from $50 million, which have experienced a revenue decline of 30 per cent or more
- An increased maximum weekly payment with employing businesses that maintain their employee headcount able receive $1,500 to $100,000 per week based on 40 per cent of their weekly NSW payroll
- Non-employing business remain eligible for a maximum of $1,000 per week.
The expanded payment will now cover more than 400,000 businesses employing 3.3 million workers in NSW, subject to eligibility.
The payment will also provide more substantial support for businesses to cover unavoidable costs such as rent, insurance and maintenance as well as employee costs during an extended lockdown.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the additional support would help deliver businesses and individuals the financial assistance needed during the necessary extension of the lockdown.
“We know these restrictions are tough but necessary to get the current situation under control and that is why we are coming to the table to help businesses and individuals with more financial support,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We don’t want people to have to worry about how they are going to keep the lights on or reopen their businesses when restrictions ease, which is why we are investing billions to give people that piece of mind.”
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said this latest round of assistance continued to build on the NSW Government’s COVID-19 support measures, with billions now committed, including the $4.1 billion - plus $1 billion from the Commonwealth - announced earlier this month.
“We know that keeping workers in jobs is critical, which is why we’ve fought hard to secure additional support to help businesses hold onto their staff,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We appreciate how difficult it is for businesses right now, and we are also prioritising getting money out the door and into pockets as fast as possible.”
Applications for JobSaver opened on Monday with more than 14,000 applications already received and almost $28 million approved for payment so far. Payments are expected to start hitting bank accounts from 31 July.
Businesses can expect to receive funds in their accounts within five to 10 business days from their approval date. The arrangements announced this week will be backdated, so businesses that have received a first payment on previous settings will be topped up when the next payment is made.
Businesses have also received much needed support from the 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant to cover the first three weeks of lockdown, with more than $118 million paid to businesses so far from more than 56,000 applications received.
Tourism & Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said the industry had long been pushing for further support to replace JobKeeper due to the ongoing economic uncertainty created by a delayed vaccine rollout resulting in ongoing lockdowns, domestic border closures and next to no international travel.
“The ultimate goal of support payments should be to make sure that our tourism workers can remain connected to their businesses through lockdowns and then the critical post lockdown recovery period,” Ms Osmond said.
“Thanks to consistent advocacy from the NSW Government, new wider payroll parameters and increased payment amounts via a joint Commonwealth-NSW program, together with increased Commonwealth-only COVID-19 Disaster Support Payments, will go some way towards replicating the previous JobKeeper support model.”
APRA AMCOS Chief Executive, Dean Ormston, said: “The expansion of eligibility for JobSaver, in addition to an increase in the cap accessible to businesses, is something the Australian music industry has desperately needed. Many of our hard working members and colleagues across the industry have been left ineligible for support on the basis of employment technicalities, leaving them to face a very scary reality.”
For more information on COVID-19 support available, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/2021-covid-19-support-package.
RESTRICTIONS EXTENDED, VACCINES RAMPED UP AND NSW POLICE BOOST COMPLIANCE MEASURES
The current stay at home orders will remain in place for another four weeks until Saturday, 28 August across Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour.
The NSW Government is calling on NSW residents to significantly increase the uptake of vaccines in areas most affected by the current outbreak and across the State.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said higher vaccination rates and following the health orders were the only way to guarantee the further easing of restrictions.
“Though the Pfizer supply is insufficient there is plenty of AstraZeneca, and updated federal health advice recommends anyone aged 18 and over in Greater Sydney should access the jab,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“If you are unvaccinated, please organise a jab as soon as you possibly can, especially if you live in an LGA of concern.”
This week three additional areas were added to the LGAs of concern with Blacktown, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool and Parramatta now subject to specific restrictions in terms of movement and, in some cases, surveillance testing.
Some construction in non-occupied settings outside of the LGAs of concern will re-open from tomorrow, subject to the one person per four square metre rule. Trades people who are able to work with zero contact with residents will also be allowed to resume.
Year 12 students will return to face-to-face learning on Monday, 16 August with the Government finalising plans for the resumption of in-class study under strict COVID-safe protocols.
Meanwhile, a new high-visibility policing operation has been launched to assist the State’s health strategy to tackle the further spread of the COVID-19 Delta strain.
Thousands of police officers will be deployed across Greater Sydney from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command and general duties to enforce the new rules as well as protect the wider community from the selfish and unauthorised behaviour of a small number of individuals.
New powers have been granted to the NSW Police Commissioner to shut down businesses, construction sites and public premises where there is a risk to public health. The penalty for not wearing a mask where required has also been increased from $200 to $500.
Restrictions in regional NSW remain unchanged.
For the latest health advice and restrictions in place in Greater Sydney and NSW, go to www.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19.
COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT BOOSTS INDIGENOUS TOURISM SECTOR
The Commonwealth Government has announced the first round of recipients for the Indigenous tourism grants, as part of the $40 million Indigenous Tourism Fund, including nine NSW-based operators.
The Commonwealth Government has committed more than $2.9 million to support 60 Indigenous-owned tourism businesses and community organisations Australia-wide. This funding will increase the number of Indigenous tourism products available and support the start-up, stabilisation and growth of operators in the sector.
NSW recipients are: Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation, Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours, Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council, Chocolate on Purpose, Girri Girra Bush Classroom, Red Chief Local Aboriginal Land Council, Indigiearth (Warakirri Dining Experience), Jigamy Farm – Bundian Way cultural landscapes and campground development project, and Wirimbili Yanhi Wiradyuri Walan.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt AM was proud to announce the recipients.
“The Indigenous tourism sector is growing in Australia and the Commonwealth Government is committed to helping it expand and employ more people,” Mr Wyatt said.
“Tourism operators across Australia are focused on attracting more domestic visitors and this includes many Indigenous businesses who are putting together incredible experiences that showcase their local area, cultures and traditions.
“The Indigenous Tourism Fund was co-designed with the sector and is tailored for their local needs. It is an example of how we’re working differently with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, co-designing programs to help deliver the support people need according to their priorities.
“When Australia opens up, I encourage everyone to consider an Indigenous experience when you visit parts of the country you haven’t seen before.”
FREE ADVICE FOR BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY LOCKDOWN
Small businesses affected by the current COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions are encouraged to seek free advice from the NSW Government’s business advisory service, Business Connect.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said Business Connect had advisors across the State who were ready to help businesses navigate the current situation.
“We know many small businesses across NSW and particularly in the Sydney metropolitan area are doing it tough at the moment,” Mr Tudehope said.
“While some businesses have had to shut their doors to comply with the Public Health Orders, others are experiencing reduced foot traffic and challenges with cashflow, paying rent and wages.
“But Government support is available, including Business Connect. All of the advisors have previously owned small businesses, and they can advise business owners on ways to make it through this health pandemic and plan for the future. All advice provided is free of charge if it relates to COVID-19.”
Mr Tudehope said Business Connect had helped more than 40,000 businesses since the program started in 2017 and the service had more than 60 free-of-charge webinars available for small businesses through to September 2021.
New webinar topics include dealing with disputes, starting an online store, cash flow essentials and building a more resilient business.
In addition to helping small businesses, Business Connect can also assist medium enterprises and in some circumstances, social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations, if eligible.
Government support measures that could benefit small businesses through the current COVID-19 lockdown include:
- The 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant of $7,500 to $15,000 is available to eligible NSW businesses that have a turnover between $75,000 and $50 million (inclusive), and a total Australian wages bill of $10 million or less
- The JobSaver scheme to help eligible businesses retain staff by covering up to 40 per cent of weekly payroll (between $1,500 to a maximum of $100,000 per week, and $1,000 per week for eligible non-employing businesses)
- The $1,500 tax-free Micro Business COVID-19 Support Grant for businesses with a turnover of more than $30,000 and less than $75,000 that experience a decline in turnover of 30 per cent or more
- Land tax relief equal to the value of rent reductions provided by commercial, retail and residential landlords to financially distressed tenants
- No recovery of security bonds, or lockouts or evictions of impacted retail and commercial tenants prior to mediation.
For more on Business Connect, visit www.nsw.gov.au/businessconnect. For more information on the support measures for businesses, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/covid-19-help-businesses.
COVID-19 DISASTER PAYMENTS INCREASED FOR INDIVIDUALS
The Commonwealth Government has increased the level of support provided to individuals through the COVID-19 Disaster Payment right across New South Wales.
From next week, the maximum payment of $600 for people who have lost more than 20 hours’ work per week will rise to $750, and for individuals who have lost less than 20 hours’ work each week will now receive $450, up from $375.
In addition, extra support will be extended to community members who are on welfare payments with eligible candidates able to receive a $200 payment if they've lost eight hours of work or more.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the COVID-19 Disaster Payment had already been well received by the community.
“In New South Wales so far, 812,372 grants of disaster payment assistance have been provided. That represents 463,558 individuals who have received direct support from the Federal Government to ensure they're getting through this crisis,” Mr Morrison said.
“The total amount out the door and in the bank accounts of those who need it in New South Wales is already $411.7 million.
“The great advantage of the direct COVID Disaster Payment system is it's fast and it means that we can calibrate the support.
“If you're in New South Wales at the moment and you're one of those 463,000 people, next week you will get a $750 or $450 payment.”
For more information about the support available to individuals impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home orders, go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/financial-support.
AN EXTRA $7 MILLION TO SUPPORT REGIONAL ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
More than $7 million will flow to regional arts and entertainment organisations to attract additional visitors to Australian regions and to speed economic recovery in communities hit hard by COVID-19, as part of the Commonwealth Government’s Regional Arts Tourism package.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the $7.4 million would build on support for the regions in the Creative Economy COVID Support Package, which now stands at more than $440 million.
“Arts and cultural events, festivals, museums and galleries all play a significant role in attracting people to our regions, which is exactly what Australian communities need as they begin to rebuild from the devastating impacts of the pandemic,” Mr Fletcher said.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said: “Attending a festival or cultural event is the main reason for visiting a regional area for 57 per cent of first-time visitors, and arts tourists travel further, stay longer and spend more money than the average domestic tourist.”
The Regional Arts Tourism package includes:
- Regional arts activities for visitors – an additional $5 million in competitive grant funding through the Regional Arts Fund for artists, arts workers and arts organisations to develop and promote cultural events for visitors across regional Australia
- Festivals – an additional $2.4 million through the Festivals Australia program to grow audiences at festivals across regional Australia
- Community arts – $3 million for the Culture, Heritage and Arts Regional Tourism program, supporting community arts and cultural organisations to rebuild after the pandemic
- Tourism Australia will support the Regional Arts Tourism package, promoting creative and cultural experiences in regions that have been hard-hit by the pandemic, with a focus on attracting interstate audiences.
The programs will be implemented in consultation with the tourism sector, with further details to be published on the Office for the Arts website: www.arts.gov.au/covid-19-update.
WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT METRO GETS GREEN LIGHT
The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project has reached a major milestone with planning approval granted by the NSW Government and major construction set to commence soon.
Commonwealth Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the approvals were a major step forward for the new Metro rail line, which will transform the way western Sydney connects to the rest of the city.
“The Morrison Government is providing a once-in-a-generation level of funding in a range of major infrastructure projects across western Sydney, to transform the region and foster the creation of Australia’s future industries,” Mr Fletcher said.
“This includes working closely with the NSW Government to deliver this new multi-billion dollar Sydney Metro line, which will provide a critical link to the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and improve connectivity for local residents.
"Once operational, the new Metro is expected to transport up to 7,740 passengers each hour in each direction, while also taking about 110,000 vehicles off local roads every day, significantly reducing local traffic.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the project will provide the backbone for further development of the Western Parkland City.
“It will take just five minutes to travel from the airport to the Aerotropolis, about 15 minutes from the airport to St Marys and 20 minutes from the Aerotopolis to St Marys - where customers can connect to the rest of Sydney’s rail network,” Mr Ayres said.
“The initial operating capacity will see trains travelling in both directions every five minutes during peak periods, so customers won’t need a timetable - they’ll just be able to turn up and go.”
Early works started on Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport in December 2020. Major work will start in the coming months, with the tunnelling contract awarded by the end of the year and tunnel boring machines in the ground by the end of 2023.
DIGITAL HEALTH PASS WILL BE THE TICKET TO FLY FOR QANTAS AND JETSTAR FLIGHTS
The Qantas Group will work with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to rollout a digital health pass when regular Qantas and Jetstar international flights resume.
The decision to proceed with IATA follows trials of several digital solutions on Qantas’ international repatriation flights in recent months.
The IATA Travel Pass offers a convenient and secure method for customers to verify COVID test results and vaccination information with border or health officials and airline staff. The app connects customers to certified testing labs so that results can be uploaded to the platform and customers can show they have a vaccine certificate and/or proof of a negative COVID test result before their flight.
The IATA Travel Pass matches a customer’s health information against a specific flight, checks the entry requirements for the country they are travelling to and provides clearance to travel on that flight, to both the customer and airline.
Final development work is now underway to ensure the app is ready for use on Qantas and Jetstar international flights when they resume.
Qantas Group Chief Customer Officer, Stephanie Tully said the airlines want to get international flights back in the air and people back to work.
“Many Governments are already requiring proof of vaccine or a negative COVID test result for international travel,” Ms Tully said.
“A digital health pass will connect customers with COVID testing facilities, health authorities and airlines, and ultimately enable the opening of more travel bubbles and borders.
“The IATA Travel Pass will allow travellers to have their COVID test results and vaccine information verified securely, which will be their green light to fly internationally with us.”
IATA Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security, Nick Careen said: “A digital solution to manage and verify health credentials is essential for travel while COVID-19 remains a risk. We are delighted that the Qantas Group has decided to progress plans to use IATA Travel Pass as a convenient and secure method for travellers to verify and share their COVID test results and vaccination information with border or health officials and airline staff.”
NEW DIRECTOR FOR THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART AUSTRALIA (MCA)
The Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) has appointed Suzanne Cotter as the Museum’s new Director.
An internationally respected museum director, Ms Cotter will commence her new role in early January 2022. She takes over the reins from the MCA’s longstanding Director, Elizabeth Ann Macgregor OBE.
Ms Cotter is an Australian with over 30 years’ international experience. Currently the Director of the Musée d'Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean (MUDAM), Luxembourg, her distinguished career includes roles as Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art of the Serralves Foundation in Porto (Portugal), Curator for the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation New York, and Deputy Director and Curator at Large of Modern Art Oxford (UK).
Ms Cotter is a leading curator and scholar in international contemporary art. She has held curatorial positions at leading galleries including the Hayward Gallery, Whitechapel Art Gallery, and the Serpentine Gallery in London.
Lorraine Tarabay, Chairman of the MCA Board of Directors, said: “We are thrilled that an Australian of Suzanne’s calibre will be returning to our shores to lead the MCA’s exciting next chapter. The Board was impressed by Suzanne’s depth and breadth of experience, international networks, extensive expertise in dealing with multiple stakeholders and her demonstrated capacity for artistic and strategic vision, ideally placing her to lead the Museum at this critical time.”
Ms Cotter said: “I am inspired by the MCA and its collection, exhibition and social impact programs, its commitment to living artists, particularly the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, and to the importance of art in the lives of everyone.
“In the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and in response to the growing force of environmental and social justice movements globally, the museum has a vital role to play for the diverse communities that it serves and in which they can recognise themselves and their world.”
SYDNEY WORLDPRIDE 2023 APPOINTS CEO
The Board of Sydney WorldPride 2023 has announced the appointment of Kate Wickett as Sydney WorldPride CEO.
Sydney WorldPride Chair Damien Hodgkinson said Ms Wickett brought a range of diverse experience working across the corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors.
“She has almost two decades of experience working in a volunteer capacity to promote the local and global Pride movement,” Mr Hodgkinson (He/Him) said.
“Ms Wickett worked tirelessly at Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras to spearhead the successful bid process for Sydney WorldPride 2023. Since securing the win in 2019 she has been the Sydney WorldPride Interim CEO, leading the establishment of the organisation.
“On behalf of the board I congratulate Ms Wickett and know that together with the Sydney WorldPride team and the Sydney LGBTIQ+ community they will deliver an unforgettable WorldPride in 2023.”
Ms Wickett is the first woman to hold the role of WorldPride CEO.
Ms Wickett (She/Her) said: “I am thrilled to be working with such a committed, creative and inspiring team at Sydney WorldPride. This legacy festival will enable all parts of our LGBTIQ+ community to be seen, heard and celebrate together.
“As a lesbian, it is so important for me to role model visible inclusive leadership, and to encourage more of those from within our communities who haven’t played a leadership role to pursue leadership roles.”
The NSW Government through Destination NSW is a major partner for Sydney WorldPride 2023, reinforcing its commitment to grow the State’s visitor economy and celebrate its world-renowned LGBTIQ+ culture and community.
Sydney WorldPride is a global LGBTIQ+ event, combining arts, culture, protest and human rights. It will be held in Sydney, Australia in February – March 2023.
Sydney WorldPride 2023 will combine the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras with a Human Rights Conference, a Pride March across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, First Nations Gatherings and Celebrations, Opening and Closing Ceremonies and many more events and celebrations.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS POSTPONED
A new date for the Local Government elections has been set for Saturday, 4 December 2021. Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the decision was made after extensive consultation with and advice from the NSW Electoral Commission and NSW Health. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and current Public Health Orders impacting Greater Sydney, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the Local Government elections until later this year.” The NSW Government has worked with the Electoral Commission and NSW Health to implement a comprehensive plan to allow voters to cast their ballot safely in person, by post or online. iVote (electronic voting) will also be available for the first time in the local council elections and the NSW Government has implemented changes to pre-poll to ensure that voters have 13 days to cast their ballot, reducing congestion on polling day. In this election, 5.2 million voters will cast their ballots as around 5,000 candidates vie for 1,200 councillor positions across 125 local councils. Nominations open on 25 October 2021 and close on 3 November 2021. Prospective candidates can find more information at the Office of Local Government website.
MUNDI MUNDI BASH POSTPONED TO APRIL 2022
Organisers of the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash have announced the inaugural music festival has been rescheduled to April 2022. The new dates of 21-23 April, 2022 for the three day music festival will fall in the Easter school holidays – giving the event some of the best weather the Broken Hill and Silverton region has to offer. Broken Hill City Council Mayor Darriea Turley AM said: "We're extremely happy with the proposed new dates as the event will fall between the Easter long weekend and the Anzac Day public holiday. The Bash will complement our own Heritage Festival over Easter, and will allow visitors to enjoy an extended stay in the city without using too much leave. It has the potential to be a marquee week of entertainment and culture, and heritage in the city, so we hope organisers enjoy some better luck in their tireless efforts to bring this massive event to Broken Hill.” Earlier this month organisers announced a postponement from August to September, but in light of the evolving COVID situation have decided to delay until next year. Nearly all of the artists who were on the rebooted bill have thrown their support behind the new event dates, with the all-star lineup of rock legends including Paul Kelly, Ian Moss, John Williamson, Kate Ceberano, Russell Morris, Glenn Shorrock, Ross Wilson, Vika & Linda, Wendy Matthews and more remaining in place for 2022. All 2021 Mundi Mundi Bash tickets will transfer to the April 2022 event, or ticketholders can request a refund. For information go to Mundi Mundi Bash online.
COUNCIL RATES RELIEF FOR BUSHFIRE VICTIMS EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER SIX MONTHS
The NSW Government is continuing to support victims of the devastating 2019-20 bushfires, announcing $2.5 million to fund another six months of council rate relief for those who lost their main properties. Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said the NSW Government was committed to continuing to help our local communities recover from the devastating bushfires. “This financial support for property owners is in addition to the NSW Government footing the bill for the initial bushfire clean-up with more than 3,600 properties cleared across the state," Mr Barilaro said. More than $5.4 million in council rate relief has already been provided to over 3,300 property owners to reduce the financial burden on bushfire victims as they rebuild their lives. Funding has been paid directly to 34 local councils which means eligible ratepayers don’t have to pay anything and it does not cost local government anything to support property owners. Member for Bega Andrew Constance said: “Our north and south coasts suffered terribly during the 2019-20 bushfires and I am pleased to say that these areas have received significant council rate relief.” The additional rate relief will cover the second half of the 2020-21 rates period.
