HELPFUL LINKS

In this time of uncertainty, it is so important to be helping one another. If you are looking for ways to help, or are after some more information, we hope the following links/suggestions will be helpful to you. We will add more to this list as we find it.

BE AWARE OF THE LATEST UP TO DATE RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE

This government site is regularly updated to give you the latest Coronavirus news, updates and advice from government agencies across Australia.

australia.gov.au

HELP FROM THE GOVERNMENT

JOB KEEPER PAYMENT

From 29th March, eligible employers will receive $1,500 per fortnight to pass on to every full time and part time employee, and every casual employee who has been employed for more than 12 months, that the employer keeps in their job. Sole Traders and not for profits will also be eligible for the Job Keeper payment.

Income Support for Individuals

The Government is temporarily expanding eligibility to income support payments and establishing a new, time-limited Coronavirus supplement to be paid at a rate of $550 per fortnight. This supplement will be paid to both existing and new recipients of the eligible payment categories. These changes will apply for the next six months.

JOB SEEKER PAYMENT

Financial help if you’re between 22 and Age Pension age and looking for work.

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job keeper payment

Under the JobKeeper Payment, businesses impacted by the coronavirus will be able to access a subsidy from the Government to continue paying their employees. Affected employers will be able to claim a fortnightly payment of $1,500 per eligible employee from 30 March 2020, for a maximum period of 6 months.

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REGISTER YOUR INTENTION TO CLAIM A CENTRELINK PAYMENT

If you’re unsure whether or not to make a claim, if you’re worried about missing out, or if you don’t want to join those longs queues, Centrelink has created a way to register your intention to make a claim, and then they will contact you.

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COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Program

In response to the global pandemic declared by the World Health Organisation and the Public Health Emergency declared by the Queensland Government, Council will provide grants to support community organisations in their endeavours to respond and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. In addition to the community benefits envisaged, these grants will also aim to provide stimulus to the Moreton Bay Region economy through the engagement of local suppliers and contractors, where appropriate.

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Early Access to Superannuation

While superannuation helps people save for retirement, the Government recognises that for those significantly financially affected by the Coronavirus, accessing some of their superannuation today may outweigh the benefits of maintaining those savings until retirement. 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 for approximately three months (exact timing will depend on the passage of the relevant legislation). We strongly recommend that you contact a financial advisor or seek other professional advice before pursuing this option.

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Cash Flow Assistance for Businesses

The Government is providing up to $100,000 to eligible small and medium sized businesses, and not-for-profits (including charities) that employ people, with a minimum payment of $20,000. These payments will help businesses’ and not-for-profits’ cash flow so they can keep operating, pay their rent, electricity and other bills and retain staff.

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Coronavirus Business Liaison Unit

The Coronavirus Business Liaison Unit has been created in Treasury to build on existing efforts to support confidence, employment and business continuity. The Unit is engaging with peak business and industry groups on systemic issues arising from Coronavirus to ensure these are being brought to the attention of Government.

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HELP FROM OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.

BANKING

All banks have released support packages due to Covid-19 and are implemented to help customers with any type of lending (credit cards, personal loans, mortgages) breathe a sigh of relief until some sort of normality comes back. This can be anything from reduced payments to deferred payments. We recommend that you contact your bank or financial advisor before pursuing this option.