Small Business News & Tips

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is having a major impact on our business. BMN has collated a number of website links that will assist you in the current situation.

Given the impact on the economy, both Federal and State Governments are offering assistance for eligible businesses, including a relief package to defer lodging and payroll tax returns, cashflow support, grants, wage assistance plus more. For more information about the Industry Support packages visit the below links.

$500M LOANS TO SUPPORT WORKERS:

The Queensland Government is offering $500m in loans to support workers in businesses affected by coronavirus. The loan facility will comprise loans of up to $250,000 with an initial 12-month interest-free period for businesses to retain staff. The 6-month payroll tax deferral (see details below) has been extended to all affected businesses across the state.

Information on the concessional loans will be available at qrida.qld.gov.au from the end of this week.

http://www.qrida.qld.gov.au/current-programs/covid-19-business-support

Information on payroll tax deferral can be found at osr.qld.gov.au

https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/employing/payroll-tax/lodging/coronavirus-tax-relief

Information on the Queensland Government assistance packages.  (see below link)

Queensland Government Industry Recovery

https://www.qld.gov.au/about/industry-recovery

Federal Government Support for Business

https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus

https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/sectors-and-regions

The above is the current access point for the first tranche of money the federal government have allocated for business assistance.

Any business that is feeling the pinch of the coronavirus should go to both the Queensland State and Federal government links and make an application for relief.

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT HEALTH ALERTS

https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

The above link is good info on what to do to lower the risk of getting it yourself and in your company

Should your business have a suspected or confirmed coronavirus case visit the below link.

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-what-you-need-to-know

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROPERTIES WITH SUSPECTED/CONFIRMED CORONAVIRUS DISEASE

FEVER CLINICS AND TRIAL DRIVE-THROUGH CLINIC

‘Fever clinics’ have been activated at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Nambour General Hospital, Caloundra Health Service’s Minor Injury and Illness Clinic and the Gympie Hospital, in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

A “virtual clinic” is also available with referral from a general practitioner, 13 HEALTH, public health unit or another healthcare provider.

A trial drive-through fever clinic has been established at Caloundra Health Service’s Minor Injury and Illness Clinic. It is open every day between 8am and 8pm and testing is only possible if people are experiencing symptoms such as a fever, cough and shortness of breath.

The Federal Government has launched a national campaign to inform all Australians about the coronavirus. The campaign aims to reduce the risk to individuals and families by enabling them to make informed decisions and to take up health recommendations. Access the campaign materials below.

https://www.health.gov.au/news/launch-of-the-coronavirus-covid-19-campaign

The Australian Tax Office has support for businesses impacted by COVID-19. FIND OUT MORE HERE

https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Dealing-with-disasters/In-detail/Specific-disasters/COVID-19/#Supportavailable

CORONAVIRUS TAX RELIEF

Queensland’s small and medium businesses impacted by coronavirus can defer their payroll tax payment for six months, backdated to when the travel ban started on 1 February 2020, under a new relief measure from the Queensland Government. FIND OUT MORE HERE.

https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/employing/payroll-tax/lodging/coronavirus-tax-relief

HELP THROUGH QLD GOVT CORONAVIRUS PACKAGE

The Queensland Government announced a $27.25 million package to provide immediate assistance to industry to help Queensland deal with the impact of coronavirus COVID-19. The Immediate Industry Recovery Package provides targeted financial support and advice; promotes Queensland through marketing and media activities; and provides counselling and support to businesses and students. Phone the Small business hotline (1300 654 687) for updates and advice. FIND OUT MORE HERE.

https://www.qld.gov.au/about/industry-recovery

BUSINESS QUEENSLAND

Find support from Business Queensland if your small business has been impacted, including mentoring sessions, financial workshops and details of government support. FIND OUT MORE HERE.

https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/support/novel-coronavirus

CCIQ information for business. CCIQ has created a single point of information with support for business. LEARN MORE HERE.

https://www.cciq.com.au/coronavirus-information/

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE CORONAVIRUS?

Q: WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CORONAVIRUS?

Q: HOW CAN I BEST PROTECT MYSELF?

Q: SHOULD I WEAR A FACE MASK?

PLEASE CLICK HERE for more frequently asked questions from Queensland Health’s website.

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-what-you-need-to-know

The below website is updated daily and advises the current  situation worldwide.

https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-current-situation-and-case-numbers