COVID-19: Extension to stay at home for regional NSW until 12.01am 28/8/21

 

Latest news: Extension to stay at home orders for regional NSW until 12.01am 28/8/21 in-line with extension for greater Sydney.


The NSW Government this morning announced the extension of the regional NSW lockdown for regional NSW. Keep reading to find out more about the COVID-19 restrictions, where to get a vaccine and what government support is available to individuals and businesses affected by COVID-19.

COVID-19 Disaster Payment

A payment for workers who have been unable to earn income due to the COVID-19 lockdown

  • $325 – $375 if you lost 8–20 hours of work per week or a full day of your usual work hours

  • $500 – $600 if you lost more than 20 hours per week

Eligibility depends on where you live and work. If you live or work outside Greater Sydney you may be eligible for payments from 13 July 2021.

  • 1 July – 15 July 2021 at lower rates ($325 / $500)

  • 15 July onwards at higher rates ($375 / $600)

Support is provided weekly following application.
You can access more information and apply now at the Services Australia website.

Support with tenancy

Protection from eviction for residential tenants who have suffered a 25% or more loss of income due to the lockdown. Land tax relief or grants for landlords who reduce the rent of lockdown impacted tenants.

Land tax relief is provided to landowners who reduce rent for COVID-19 affected tenants between 1 July and 31 December 2021 up to 100% of their 2021 land tax liability. Landowners who do not pay land tax can alternatively apply for up to $1500 grant per residential tenancy.

Eligible landlords will receive grants within 60 days of their application
To apply, speak with your landlord and direct them to NSW Fair Trading.

Source: Business Australia

COVID-19 Micro Business Grants

Fortnightly tax-free grant of $1,500

Period of lockdown covered is from the start of lockdown.
Payments started late July 2021
Find out more and submit your application at Service NSW.

If you are a sole trader, you are not eligible for BOTH the NSW COVID-19 Micro Business Grant and the COVID-19 Disaster Payment

Support with tenancy

Landlords can’t evict retail or commercial tenancies without mediation Land tax relief for landlords who reduce the rent for impacted tenants, up to 100% of their 2021 land tax liability.

These protections will last for the whole lockdown Land tax relief is provided to landowners who reduce rent for COVID-19 affected tenants between 1 July and 31 December 2021.

Contact the office of the Small Business Commissioner for mediation services.

COVID-19 Business Grants

One-off tax-free grant of $7,500 to $15,000 depending on your business’s revenue decline

The period of lockdown covered is the first three weeks of lockdown
Payments started late July 2021
Find out more and submit your application at Service NSW.

Job Saver

Tax-free payments of 40% of pre–COVID weekly payroll, from $1,500 to $10,000 per week (paid fortnightly); $1,000 weekly for non-employing business

The period of lockdown covered is from 19 July 2021
Payments started late July 2021
Find out more and submit your application at Service NSW.

Payroll tax support

  • 25% reduction in FY22 payroll tax for eligible businesses

  • Payroll tax payments deferred until 7 October 2021 for all businesses

  • Interest free 12-month repayment plans for deferred payroll tax

The full lockdown period is covered.
Find out more and submit your application atRevenue NSW.

Support with my tenancy

Tax-free payments of 40% of pre–COVID weekly payroll, from $1,500 to $10,000 per week (paid fortnightly); $1,000 weekly for non-employing business.

These protections will last for the whole lockdown.
Contact the office of the Small Business Commissioner for mediation services.

Support for the creative arts sector

Tailored payments to non-profits, commercial theatres, and commercial music venues, to help with the cost of current productions.

The period of lockdown covered is from 26 June 2021
Support is provided within 3 weeks of submitting your application
Find out more and submit your application at Create NSW

Support for accommodation providers

Available for providers that can demonstrate room cancellations during the school holiday period;

  • $2,000 for losses of up to 10 room nights

  • $5,000 for 11 or more room nights

The period of lockdown covered is from 26 June to 11 July 2021 inclusive.
Accommodation providers should first apply for a COVID-19 Business Grant at Service NSW.

Remember that vaccination is an acceptable reason for you and your employees to leave the house for those that are in lockdown.

There are several places where people can get vaccinated, including special vaccination centres, hospitals, community health centres, GPs and community pharmacies. With this range of options available, it can sometimes be a case of shopping around to find a nearby one that has availability.

If you or your employees go to the national Vaccine Eligibility Checker, it’s possible to book directly with nearby providers if you meet the criteria.

HotDoc is also available nationally and has kept up with evolving recommendations. Enter a postcode and find a doctor that is offering the COVID-19 vaccine. If you or your employees want to get a vaccine done through a community pharmacy – which can be particularly handy if you’re in a regional area – try booking directly here.

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network also has some Riverina specific information.

Stay at home orders and new restrictions apply to all of NSW including regional and rural areas until 12.01am Saturday 28 August.

Critical retail that may remain open during this period includes:

  • supermarkets and grocery stores, butchers, bakeries, fruit and vegetable shops, bottle shops and fishmongers

  • health, medical, maternity and infant supplies stores

  • pharmacies

  • petrol stations

  • car hire

  • banks and financial institutions

  • hardware and building supply stores, nurseries

  • agricultural, timber and rural supply stores

  • pet supplies

  • post office, office supplies, newsagents.

  • non-critical retailers must only offer click and collect or online delivery.

There are different sets of rules regarding construction. Please check the NSW Government construction rules page. 

All schools in NSW are providing online learning however schools will remain open for children of essential workers or parents with no other options. 

Remember, there are harsh penalties for any employer who forces employees to go into an office environment. Service NSW QR code is mandatory at all workplaces and retail businesses.  Businesses need to display the Service NSW QR code. This came into effect on Monday 12 July.  Visit the official NSW Government rules page for more information. 

Source: Business Australia

 
Cristy Houghton