Where to find support in your state or territory

With businesses and livelihoods affected by limitations on public gatherings and social distancing measures due to COVID-19, the Government has announced a slew of timely financial support and assistance to keep more Australians in jobs and support businesses impacted by this crisis.

To help you stay updated with the latest information on government measures, we’ve put together a resource page of the support available for individuals and businesses affected by COVID-19.

The ACT is offering a six-month waiver on payroll tax for hospitality businesses, waiving fees for food business registration and liquor licensing fees (excluding off-license), and providing a $750 rebate for small business owners to help with power bills.

NSW is offering free access to its Business Concierge, which provides personalised, ongoing support over the phone. It is deferring payroll tax for six months and rent for six months for commercial tenants with fewer than 20 employees in government-owned properties.

In NT, businesses can access a $10,000 grant, followed by an additional $10,000 grant if they contribute $10,000. The Territory government has also announced a $50 million small business survival fund that will supply, amongst other things, immediate survival payments to sectors including food, drink and retail.

The Queensland government is providing payroll tax relief in the form of refunds for two months or a payroll tax holiday for three months. The government will also automatically provide $500 energy rebates.

Meanwhile in SA, business is being given a six-month holiday from payroll tax payments and land tax. Liquor licence fees will be waived for the year 2020-21.

In Tasmania, water and power bills will be waived for the first quarterly bill received after 1 April. Payroll tax will be waived for hospitality businesses with a payroll less than $5 million.

Eligible businesses in Victoria that have been forced to close or have been highly impacted can access a $10,000 grant. Payroll tax for the entire 2020-21 year has been waived.

In WA, many businesses paying payroll tax will receive a one-off grant of $17,500.

Liquor licensing bodies, which are state-based organisations, are waiving liquor licence fees for affected venues and fast-tracking applications for venues that wish to add liquor to their delivery offer. There are subtle differences in the way each state and territory administers their waiver. Further information specific to each state and territory body can be found here: www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/about-us/interstate-liquor-licensing-authorities.

The ACT is offering a $150 rebate on property rates, as well as freezing several government fees and charges.

NSW is providing a further $30 million to its Energy Accounts Payments Assistance scheme.

The NT has introduced a $30 million home improvement scheme, where homeowners receive vouchers towards projects when contributing their own money.

In Queensland, all households will receive a $200 rebate to offset the cost of water and electricity bills, which will be automatically applied through electricity bills. The government will also chip in up to $500 million to help workers who have lost their jobs with retraining and job matching for specific industries.

The SA government is providing a one-off boost of $500 to its cost-of-living concession for households receiving Centrelink’s JobSeeker payment.

In Tasmania, individuals can access up to $3,000 to gain skills or licences to help them into a new job. The government will also waive or refund school levies for this year.

The Victorian government has announced a $500 million fund to help workers who have lost their jobs find new opportunities, and facilitate job matching to help people find short-term or casual work.

In WA, a freeze has been placed on household electricity, water and motor vehicle charges.

Here’s where you can find out what other special measures are being taken and the resources available in the state or territory in which you live.