For the full-range of Victorian Government assistance go to business.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Find in-language advice and information, how to access an interpreter, support services and government support at multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
The Victorian Government has established an economic survival package to support Victorian businesses and workers through the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $1.7 billion Economic Survival Package complements the work of the Federal Government.
The package includes the following key programs.
Business Support Fund
The $500 million Business Support Fund has been developed to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Initially only available to certain sectors, on May 1 the Victorian Government announced the criteria will be expanded to include businesses with a wages bill less than the payroll tax threshold of $650,000 that are participating in the Commonwealth Government’s JobKeeper program, regardless of the sector they operate in.
Eligible businesses can apply for a one-off $10,000 grant which can be used towards costs such as utilities, rent, salaries and activities to support business continuity planning. For further details, including the eligibility criteria, visit business.vic.gov.au
Payroll Tax Refund
Businesses with annual taxable wages up to $3 million will have their payroll tax for the 2019-20 financial year waived. This will support 24,000 businesses and up to 400,000 workers.
The State Revenue Office will directly contact eligible businesses to reimburse them for payroll tax already paid in the financial year.
Eligible businesses must continue to lodge returns but do not need to make further payments for this financial year. These businesses can also defer paying payroll tax for the first quarter of the 2020-21 financial year.
More information about the administration of these relief measures will be sent directly to eligible businesses. Visit sro.vic.gov.au
Liquor licence fees waived
Renewable liquor licence fees for 2020 will be waived. Businesses that have already paid will be reimbursed.
The State Revenue Office will administer the reimbursement, regardless of whether the licence fee was paid to it or the Victorian Commission for Gaming and Liquor Regulation. Visit sro.vic.gov.au
Working for Victoria Fund
Under the $500 million Working for Victoria Fund, displaced workers will be eligible to apply for different types of work. This presents opportunities for paid work and an opportunity to contribute to Victoria’s ability to manage this event and support the community.
Some displaced workers will have skills that can be readily transferred to new roles. The Government can also assist skills development or help people in obtaining immediate accreditation to commence work.
The Government will work across the public sector, local government, the not-for-profit sector and key private sector employers to facilitate job matching. Visit vic.gov.au/workingforvictoria
Land tax deferral
Landowners that have at least one non-residential property and total taxable landholdings below $1 million have the option of deferring their 2020 land tax payment until after 31 December 2020.
The State Revenue Office will contact all taxpayers who are eligible for this deferral. Visit sro.vic.gov.au
Fast tracking outstanding supplier invoices
The Government will pay all outstanding supplier invoices within five business days – releasing up to $750 million into the economy earlier. The private sector is urged to do the same where possible.
Commercial tenancies relief scheme
The commercial tenancy relief scheme is designed to alleviate financial hardship faced by tenants and landlords as a result of COVID-19.
The scheme includes six-month moratorium on commercial tenancy evictions, freeze on rent increases, options to negotiate rent reductions or waivers, and mediation services to support fair tenancy negotiations. Land tax relief may also be provided to landlords that provide rent relief to their tenant.
Conditions and eligibility criteria apply for tenants and landlords. Visit business.vic.gov.au
Business Victoria hotline
Business across the state can now access information on dealing with COVID-19 by calling the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15.