This page will provide information and resources that can be used to assist the decisions that you make in response to COVID-19.

The Australian Government, Western Australian Government and Banks have each released a series of support packages for business.

For more information on federally-funded financial assistance and eligibility, visit the following sites:

Visit Business.gov.au

Visit ato.gov.au

Visit Treasury.gov.au

• The JobKeeper payment: a fortnightly payment of $1,500 per eligible employee from 30 March 2020, for a maximum period of six months.
  
• The Government will guarantee 50% of new loans issued by eligible lenders to SME’s.
  
• Boosting Cash Flow. A payment of up to 100% of salary and wages withheld up to a maximum payment of $50,000. Plus, an amount equal to the total received paid in the July-October time period.
• Relief for Financially Distressed Business: Measures that reduce the threat of actions that could unnecessarily push business into insolvency and winding up.
• Instant Asset Write Off: Increasing the instant asset write off threshold from $30,000 to $150,000.
• Business Investment: measures that accelerate depreciation deductions.
• Apprentices and Trainees: Subsidies that help a small business retain apprentices and trainees.

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The Australian Banking Association has announced that Australian banks will offer six month loans, defer loan payments for small business (including sole traders and not-for-profits) affected by Covid-19 for up to six months.

For details see Australian Banking Association.

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The Fair Work Commission has outlined an intention to update 103 awards during the coronavirus pandemic. The proposed updates would provide:

• an entitlement to unpaid pandemic leave
• flexibility to take annual leave at half pay. More details at coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au

The Fair Work Ombudsman has a helpline to deal with pay and industrial relations matters on 13 13 94 or their website fairwork.gov.au.

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Grants and support is available for small business and non-profit groups.

For details see smallbusiness.wa.gov.au.

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Watch out for scammers taking advantage of the COVID-19. More information is available at scamwatch.gov.au.

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The Australian Government will invest $2 billion to give hundreds of thousands of Australians access to new skills by retaining and upskilling them into sectors with job opportunities.

Further information can be found at employment.gov.au.

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Organisations that you can talk to offering connection, compassion and hope.

Lifeline is national charity for people experiencing a personal crisis, providing access to 24-hour crisis support. Visit their website - lifeline.org.au.

Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health. Visit their website - beyondblue.org.au.

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