Current News

Vic Government assistance for businesses in response to
COVID-19
$1.7 billion economic survival and jobs packages - see what's available for your business!!

COVID-19: Austrade- Support for Australian businesses
As part of ‘Team Australia’, Austrade is working closely with the network of government departments and industry agencies to help Australian businesses overcome complex and fast-evolving COVID-19–related challenges. This site provides updates on markets and logistics, and links through to the Government’s extensive business support programs. For more information, visit the Austrade website...

COVID-19 and the border
Updates to Australia's immigration and border arrangements during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. Visit Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website for updates...

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – information for Australian travellers
This page covers the following topics: What is COVID-19?, What we recommend, Departing Australia, Coming home, Staying overseas and Cruise travel. Visit the Smart Traveller website for more information...

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On 8 April 2020, the Fair Work Commission (the Commission) made determinations varying 99 awards. The determinations inserted a temporary new schedule into these awards. The schedule provides employees with:
·         2 weeks of unpaid pandemic leave
·         the ability to take twice as much annual leave at half their normal pay if their employer agrees.
The schedule in each award applies from an employee’s first full pay period on or after 8 April 2020 until 30 June 2020. This end date can be extended by application to the Commission.

Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website for more information...

AUS-QUAL have issued Freshcare Industry advice-Coronavirus update with the purpose to clarify AUS-QUAL’s Position regarding Scheduling of audits in relation to COVID-19.

Download the AUS-QUAL Freshcare industry advice update here...

• A Co-operative Farming Hotline open during business hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) on 1300 665 174 (Available now)
• Farmers, fishers and foresters that want to find out more about co-operatives are encouraged to call the hotline to discuss their needs and receive advice on the resources available to support them.
• Mentoring from experienced Farm Co-op operators (Available from mid-2020) 
• Financial support through educational bursaries (Available from mid-2020) 
• An interactive educational website (Available from mid-2020) 

From mid-April, eligible individuals will be able to apply online through myGov to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation before 1 July 2020. They will also be able to access up to a further $10,000 from 1 July 2020 until 24 September 2020.
Individuals will not need to pay tax on amounts released and the money they withdraw will not affect Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs payments.

Visit the ATO website for more information + eligibility criteria...

Businesses with annual Victorian taxable wages up to $3 million will have their payroll tax for the 2019-20 financial year waived. 
Eligible businesses must continue to lodge returns but do not need to make further payments for this financial year. The State Revenue Office will directly contact eligible businesses in relation to reimbursement for payroll tax already paid in the financial year.

Visit the State Revenue office website for more information...