The West Australian Government has announced a $72 million package for businesses impacted by the Level 2 public health and social measures.

The NSW Government has announced a new financial support package to assist businesses being impacted by the Omicron wave.

As NSW will soon start to exit lockdown, business owners need to plan for the Government’s announcement to reduce and end the JobSaver payments. Cash flow is going to be one of the key issues many businesses will face over the coming months.

 

The Queensland government, in conjunction with the Federal government, has announced an upcoming support package for non-employing sole traders.  This expands on the support previously advised for eligible small and medium businesses and large tourism and hospitality businesses.

Applications for the 2021 COVID-19 Business support grants are opened at 12noon (midday) Monday 16 August 2021.
 
Previously, the Queensland Government announced financial support for small and medium businesses impacted by the lockdown order which commenced at 4pm on Saturday 31 July 2021 for 11 local government areas (LGA’s) around Brisbane and has been extended to the Cairns and Yarrabah LGA’s

Eligible businesses may access up to $1 million in funding under Investment New South Wales’ new Research and Development Fund in the government’s bid to stimulate the development of innovative products that directly address the impacts of COVID-19.

The New South Wales government's COVID-19 TechVoucher program provides support funding for technology-rich startups, scaleups, or small-medium enterprises to collaborate with Publicly Funded Research Organisations (PFRO) to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative R&D products and services that address ongoing disruptions.

The new South Australian COVID-19 Additional Business Support Grant - will deliver about an extra $40 million in support to an estimated 19,000 local businesses in eligible industries.

The federal government’s COVID-19 Disaster Payment has been extended to South East Queensland individuals who live in the 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) that have been declared as hotspots for the period from 31 July to 8 August 2021.

The Queensland Government have announced financial support for businesses impacted by the lockdown order which commenced at 4pm on Saturday 31 July 2021 for local government areas in Southeast Queensland.

The NSW Government has introduced a number of measures to support businesses affected by the recent COVID-19 restrictions. One of the key measures is the 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant. Read more about who can claim, what criteria apply and how to apply. 

Service NSW recently released some further guidance on the JobSaver scheme which is now available to impacted businesses in NSW. Today the Prime Minister announced an expansion to the scheme to include additional support for more businesses.

In recent days many communities have been asked to adhere to government mandates of compulsory masks and lockdowns.  Both the NSW and Federal governments have announced support packages to businesses and individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Find out more about what is available in our blog.

Moore Australia today reminds individuals in Australia to keep a diligent log of the hours they worked from home during the recent COVID-19 lockdown.  This will help them claim their allowable tax deductions when it becomes time to submit their tax return. 
 

The COVID-19 Pandemic continues to have a significant impact on many businesses around the World. In Australia, the unprecedented crisis is forcing employers to reconsider the benefits provided to staff and the resulting Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) implications.

On 11 March 2021, the Government announced a new SME Recovery Loan Scheme which will assist eligible businesses to access finance to maintain and grow their businesses when JobKeeper concludes at the end of March 2021.

The Scheme builds on the framework established in the two phases of the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme, and is specifically targeted at SMEs currently receiving JobKeeper (i.e. the scheme is only open to certain recipients of the JobKeeper payment between 4 January 2021 and 28 March 2021).

The Economic Recovery Package (JobMaker Hiring Credit) Amendment Bill 2020 received Royal Assent on 13 November 2020. Final Rules governing JobMaker will be released after public consultation, therefore the information provided in this document is based on the draft rules.
 

The continued economic impact of COVD-19 in Australia, Asia Pacific and the wider world has naturally forced or accelerated the process of businesses to review their existing operations and commercial arrangements. Companies have taken stock on the impact of COVID-19 on their financials, business models and supply chains.
 

Last week we asked about the future of GST in Australia and as we expected, more than 65% of the respondents felt that change is required.

As we come out of COVID-19, revenue collection will be high on the Government’s agenda, primarily to fund the cost of stimulus funding. On numerous occasions, our leaders have stated that they are against increasing taxes and want to encourage consumer spending in Australia. There are media reports of personal tax rate cuts being brought forward to reinvigorate the economy.

​Our GST system is complex and needs improvement. There have been some minor adjustments, such as making certain foreign suppliers of goods and services in Australia being liable for GST, but there is scope to make some targeted changes to improve the efficiency of the GST system. Read more about our thoughts and the options available.

The Coronavirus Economic Response Package (JobKeeper Payments) Amendment Bill 2020 was recently passed by Parliament to facilitate the extension of the JobKeeper Scheme to 28 March 2021. The Treasurer has subsequently released amended Rules for the Scheme, which were registered on 15 September 2020.

 

As a result of COVID-19 and changed working conditions, employers may be providing benefits to employees that are not usually provided in a ‘normal’ year. Fringe benefits tax (FBT) may be applicable if you provide benefits in addition to salary and wages. There are exemptions and concessions available that can reduce (or eliminate) the amount of FBT you pay that are outlined in this article.

As a result of COVID-19 and changed working conditions, employers may be providing benefits to employees that are not usually provided in a ‘normal’ year. Fringe benefits tax (FBT) may be applicable if you provide benefits in addition to salary and wages. There are exemptions and concessions available that can reduce (or eliminate) the amount of FBT you pay that are outlined in this article.

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the world. In addition to its significant health implications, COVID-19 has caused massive disruption to businesses and the global economy.

The last few months have had far reaching implications for many businesses across Australia. Whilst some businesses are starting to show signs of recovery, there are a few ‘ticking’ timebombs you need to be aware of as a company director.

Directors may be personally liable for certain actions by the company including situations of insolvent trading and failure to meet employee (PAYG and superannuation guarantee), or GST obligations (in certain scenarios). The Government has provided some relief for directors in relation to insolvent trading due to the impact of COVID-19, but it is important to look out for issues not necessarily covered by the relief.

The Federal Government recently announced the expansion for the eligibility of the current JobKeeper Scheme.
 
As part of the changes announced, the Federal Government introduced changes for employees eligible for the JobKeeper Scheme from 3 August 2020. On Friday 14 August, the Coronavirus Economic Response Package (Payments and Benefits) Amendment Rules (No. 7) 2020 (the Rules) were registered which commence from 15 August 2020. 

Following the Federal Government’s announcement regarding changes to the proposed JobKeeper 2.0 Rules, due to take effect from 28 September 2020, Treasury issued an updated factsheet this morning. Changes made to the original version of JobKeeper 2.0 are outlined below.

The Government has released some further detail on what the future of stimulus will look like in Australia.

We're lucky to be in Australia and even more so in these times with a global pandemic of COVID-19. Businesses have struggled, people have self-isolated and the Government has done its best to prop up businesses with the Jobkeeper payment and other stimulus measures. The economy has suffered greatly, and it will take time to revert to pre-COVID times. Due to our geographical isolation and quick actions of Governments, we were able to contain the number of cases of Coronavirus to a degree, however, with the recent spike in Victoria, we need to remain vigilant. A second wave is occurring, and it is up to states and territories to contain this and keep strategising to reduce the detrimental impact on our economy.

The Superannuation Amnesty which provides employers with an opportunity to “come clean” and declare unpaid or late superannuation guarantee (SG) payments to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is scheduled to end on 7 September 2020. 

In March 2020, eligible NDIS providers effected during the COVID-19 pandemic received advance payments to assist with their immediate availability of funds. Our Audit and Assurance team look at how you should account for this in your 30 June 2020 annual report.

Businesses who are currently in receipt of stimulus payments have less than three months to get their cashflow in order. 

In March 2019 the Minister for Employment and Small Business, Shannon Fentiman MP released a media statement declaring that small business contributed $113 billion to the Queensland economy and employed 44% of the private sector workforce.

The Queensland government is extending the Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grant Program, with applications opening on 1 July 2020, find out how you can start preparing now and get in early.

The Queensland government has announced a small business grant program for eligible small and micro businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 shutdown restrictions announced by the Government.

The Jobs Rescue and Recovery plan's Business Hardship Package is the latest initiative to help Northern Territory (NT) businesses that have experienced significant hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Support is available to Territory businesses with a turnover less than $50 million who can demonstrate a reduction of turnover of 30% or more due to COVID-19.

Employees working from home due to COVID-19?*
Updated 29 April 2021
With an increased number of employees working from home in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, home office expense claims are expected to rise significantly for the 2020 tax year. If employees are required to work from home, they may be able to claim a tax deduction for expenses they necessarily incur related to performing their work duties.

Now more than even it’s important we show and demonstrate our support for local businesses and seriously consider the importance of ‘Australian made’ and changing the conscious choices we have made that have impacted our economy by rebuilding our manufacturing capability.

The NSW government has introduced measures to help soften the blow for landowners who pay land tax in NSW. The relief is to support residential and commercial tenants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moore Global Survey reveals COVID-19 impact on business. Big changes in the way businesses operate after COVID-19.

The Queensland Government has announced a $400 million land tax relief package intended to support and relieve commercial tenants and landowners through the COVID-19 crisis.

The Federal Government released a code of conduct (the Code) for commercial tenancies and its purpose is to impose a set of good faith leasing principles for application to commercial tenancies.

The Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus (Measures No. 2) Bill 2020 (the Bill) was passed by Parliament to introduce the JobKeeper payment.

The government has introduced a series of measures to support individuals and businesses during the Coronavirus pandemic.  But what about self-managed super funds?  This article explores what measures are in place and how they are accessed.

COVID-19 has created both business and personal disruption. Our Directors offer an insightful opinion piece which looks closely at the recently proposed rental waivers and the impact on both the landlord and tenant.

The New South Wales Government has announced a further $750,000 COVID-19 Small Business Support Grant, specifically targeting industries such as retail trade, accommodation, food service, real estate to assist businesses who have been significantly impacted by this health crisis.

Effective governance and risk management is critical for NFPs to help navigate the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic crisis.

Your community, organisation , partners and donors are now facing a significant number of critical risks and recognise we are in a crisis scenario. 

Risk management at this time is a proven and effective tool to guide NFPs in their planning, mitigation and response to the issues and challenges they will be facing now and in the next few months. 

On 30 March 2020, the Government announced a $130 billion wage subsidy to combat the impact of COVID-19 on the Australian economy. The Government has provided further support to Australian businesses and encouraged businesses to keep their workers employed by providing a “JobKeeper” payment to eligible employers for eligible employees.

The Territory Government’s $50 million Small Business Survival Fund is specifically targeted at supporting industries such as retail, hospitality, tourism, and entertainment businesses, including beauty parlours and gyms, who are bearing the brunt of this national crisis. 

The South Australian Government has announced they are adding $650 million to the first support package of $350 million announced a fortnight ago.

The National Cyber security committee lifted on 25 March the threat preparedness level to level 4 – lean forward – which means that the threats and activity are escalating and likely to increase and organisations must increase their monitoring.

COVID-19 is doing more damage to our Territory economy than any natural disaster ever has. In response the Territory Government will deliver a $50 million Small Businesses Survival Fund to help Territory businesses survive the unprecedented economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus Bill 2020 received Royal Assent on 24 March 2020 and is now law. The package included various changes which were announced in the two stimulus packages released recently by the Government.

Geelong Council met on Tuesday night and agreed to a series of immediate measures to help local businesses and the community cope with the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic. 

The government announced a second stimulus package worth $66 billion in an attempt to deal with the impact of COVID-19 on the Australian economy.

Effective governance and risk management is critical for organisations to help navigate the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

Organisations worldwide are now facing a significant number of critical risks and recognise we are in a crisis scenario. Risk management at this time is a proven and effective tool to guide organisations in their planning, mitigation and response to the issues and challenges they will be facing now and in the next few months. Given circumstances can change daily dynamic governance is needed to respond and mitigate these emerging risks and issues.

The recent outbreak and spread of the coronavirus has now disrupted many businesses globally and has had a significant impact on financial markets. This publication focuses on the potential accounting and financial reporting implications of coronavirus that management should take into consideration when preparing the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019. Different considerations will apply for later accounting periods e.g. for financial statements for periods ending 31 March 2020 or other accounting periods with a reporting date subsequent to the outbreak taking place.

The Northern Territory (NT) Government is delivering a $65 million Jobs Rescue and Recovery Package to help stimulate the economy and keep Territorians in jobs.

This package is the second phase of the response to the significant economic impact of COVID-19, and is complementary to initiatives offered by the Australian Government to all jurisdictions.

Earlier today the government announced a $17.6 billion stimulus package in an attempt to deal with the impact of coronavirus on the Australian economy.

Please note the below measures are subject to the relevant legislation passing through parliament. At this stage, parliament is not scheduled to resume untll 23 March.

South Australian premier, Steven Marshall, has announced a $350m package in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.