COVID-19 Grower Stimulus Information

Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia is committed to keeping our members up-to-date with the latest stimulus information during these uncertain times.

To help our members we have compiled a list of resources that will enable members to support households, businesses and address the economic consequences of the Coronavirus. It does not constitute legal or official advice

The Federal Government unveiled its stimulus package on 12th March 2020. This government has since increased this resource to include stage 2 (22nd March) and JobKeeper initiative on the 30th March. Overall the Federal Governments total support for the economy is $320 billion across the forward estimates, representing 16.4 per cent of annual GDP.

For more information on the Federal Government Resources about Economic Response to the Coronavirus please click here : https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/resources



The health and safety of your workplace

It is important that all employees are aware of preventive measure and other information related to COVID-19. To keep workers safe and limit the spread of COVID-19, every employer should do the following at their workplace:

·       Allow workers to work from home, where possible

·       Ensure physical distancing by keeping a distance of 1.5 metres between people

·       Encourage all workers to frequently wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or using an alcohol-based sanitizer.

·       Be aware of how to spot symptoms of COVID – 19 (fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath)

·       Make sure workers do not come to work if they are unwell

·       Make sure your workplace is regularly cleaned and disinfected

·       Have signs & posters around workplace to remind works of COVID-19 protocol

Restricting access on farm

It is recommended that farming businesses implement restrictions on farm access :

·       No entry for non-essential visitors.

·       Confirmation form essential visitors

·       Interstate visitor self-isolation for 14 days

·       Ensure all staff are aware they cannot be at work if waiting for a COVID-19 test results

If you, a member of your family or staff experience cold

 or flu symptoms please call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

 

Support Organisation

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800

National Sexual Assault: 1800 RESPECT       

NFF: farmhub.org.au

Stimulus package includes:


Supporting Individuals and Households

Assistance includes income support payments, payments to support households and temporary early releases of superannuation.

1.     Income support for individuals

o   Time limited coronavirus supplement - $550 per fortnight.

o   Eligible: new recipients of JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefits.

2.     Payments to support households

o   $750 payment to social security, veteran and other income support recipients / concession card holders.

3.     Temporary early release of superannuation

o   Individuals affected by Coronavirus to access up to $20,00 of their superannuation in 2019-20 / 2020-21/

4.     Temporarily reducing superannuation minimum drawdown rates

o   Temporarily reducing superannuation minimum drawdown requirements for account-based pensions and similar products by 50 per cent for 2019-20 and 2020-21.

5.     Reducing social security deeming rates

o   Providing support for retirees

 


JobKeeper payment

o   $130 billion to keep Australians in jobs and support affected businesses.

o   Supporting businesses to retain jobs

o   Information for employers


Extension of Visa for foreign works already working in Australia

The announcement made in Brisbane by Agricultural Minister, David Littleproud, will allow Season Worker Program and Pacific Labour Scheme workers to extend their stay for 12 months to work for approved employers. Working Holiday Makers will be exempt from the six-month limit with one employer and be eligible for a further visa to continue helping farmers.

 


NSW DPI

Primary Industries has committed $15.9 billion to the NSW Economy. In order to support this sector navigate the challenges and impacts of COVID - 19, they have established a Liaison Team.

The team will:

o   Provide a central point for up to date COVID - 19 information affecting NSW Primary Industries.

o   Assist industry with pathways to appropriate government services

o   Work across the food supply chain to help ensure continuity.

For more information please visit: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/covid-19


Support for Businesses

1.     Boosting cash flow for employers

o   The government is providing up to $100,000 to eligible small / medium sized businesses, and not for-profit that employ people, with a minimum payment of $20,000. The payments will go to the employers as a payment equal to 100% of their salary and wages withheld, with the maximum payment being increased from $25,000 to $50,000 and the minimum payment increased from $1,000 to $2,000.

2.    Temporary relief for financially distressed businesses

o   Temporarily increasing the threshold at which creditors can issue a statutory demand on a company and the response times. ATO will tailor solutions for owners or directors of businesses, including temporary reduction of payments of deferrals, or withholding enforcement actions. i.e. penalty notices.

3.     Increasing the instant asset write-off

o   Increasing from $30,000 to $150,000 and expanding access to include businesses with aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million.

4.     Backing business investment

o   15 month investment incentive (through to 30 June 2021) to support business investment and economic growth over the short term, by accelerating depreciation deductions.

5.     Supporting apprentices and trainees

o   Eligible employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50% of apprentice's or trainee's wage for 9 months. (1 January 2020 - 30 September 2020).

Maximum $21,000 for apprentice or trainee ($7,000 per quarter)

Coronavirus Small and Medium Enterprise Guarantee Scheme (SME)

Government will guarantee 50% of new loans issued to eligible people, available for new loans made until 30 September 2020.

The government will provide eligible lenders with a guarantee for loans with the following terms:

o   SMEs, including sole traders, with a turnover of up to $50 million

o   Maximum total size loan $250,000 per borrower

o   Loans will be up to three years, with an initial six month repayment holiday

o   Unsecured finance, borrowers will not have to provide and asset as security for the loan.

https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/sme-guarantee-scheme