Community Newsletter

The Prime Minister and the Premier have announced a new support package to help businesses and individuals through the lockdown in NSW. This support is most welcome and consistent with what I have called for on behalf of Warringah constituents, after receiving feedback from many within our community as to what is needed at this time.
 
I encourage you to register your interest in these payments if you are in need of support and contact my office should you need any further guidance. 
 
For Businesses
 
Cash-flow boost: If you’re a business, sole trader or not-for-profit organisation impacted by the current Greater Sydney COVID-19 restrictions, you may be able to apply for a grant of up to $15,000 from 19 July 2021.
 
Payment of between $1,500 and $10,000 a week to businesses that could demonstrate a 30 per cent decline in turnover to a comparable period in June/July 2019, or if a new business, Minister Tudehope and Service NSW have indicated they will be flexible and that such applications will be individually assessed.

The payment will be contingent on companies maintaining their current staffing levels and will be paid to a maximum of 40 per cent of a business's payroll. 
 
Micro business grant: Some of you reached out to me with your concerns about the previous NSW grant package which set the minimum turnover for eligibility at $75,000. I wrote to the Federal and State Treasurers about this issue and am pleased to see that some of your concerns have been addressed. Now, if you’re a micro business (small business or sole trader with annual turnover of more than $30,000 and under $75,000) impacted by the current Greater Sydney COVID-19 restrictions, you may be able to apply for a grant of up to $1500 per fortnight from late July 2021.
 
Rent: There is a moratorium on evictions or lockouts and landlords and tenants are encouraged to work together to find workable solutions. Landlords who provide relief to tenants will get exemption for 100% of land tax payable. 
 
Payroll tax exemption: NSW Government is deferring all payroll tax liabilities for the next two months. For those businesses with a reduction in turnover of 30 per cent that are under $10 million in payrolls, payroll tax will be completely waived for the first quarter of this year.
 
For information on business support packages please visit Service NSW https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/covid-19-business-support-2021 
 
For Individuals

COVID Disaster Relief Payment: It was announced that individuals can now receive $600 per week if they have lost more than 20hrs per week of work and $375 if they have lost between 8-20hrs of work per week. This support is largely targeted at supporting casuals and gig economy workers. 
 
In Warringah you can apply for a payment from:
o 4 July 2021 for the period 4 to 10 July 2021
o 11 July 2021 for the period 11 to 16 July 2021

You’ll need to submit separate claims for the 2 payments.
 
The Prime Minister has indicated that these payments will be ongoing after the second application until the lockdown is lifted. The payments are intended to work the same way as the disaster relief payments as provided to natural disaster victims, something I have been calling for since the Christmas lockdown. 
 
Pandemic Leave Payment: If you’ve been told to quarantine or are caring for someone with COVID, you may be able to get the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment of $1500 if you can’t work. 
 
Importantly you can’t get both the COVID Disaster Relief Payment and the Pandemic Leave Payment, so consider which one you are best off applying for. Note there are also restrictions on directors of companies applying for the business support outlined above and also seeking the individual support payment.
 
Renters: The NSW Government has also imposed a residential tenancy eviction moratorium for 60 days from 13 July. Landlords who provide assistance will be eligible for land tax exemptions or relief of up to $1500 if not required to pay land tax.
 
For further information on support to individuals please visit Service Australia https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/news/financial-help-if-youre-affected-covid-19 

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Mental Health
Importantly, additional funds for mental health services are vital. I urge anyone who is in need of assistance at this difficult time to reach out to one of the many services available through Lifeline, Beyond Blue, Headspace, Kids Help Line and The Butterfly Foundation.
 
This is a particularly difficult time for HSC students, I encourage you and your families to use the services available to help you through this trying time.
 
I thank the community of Warringah for doing the right thing with the current health orders and for the support you are all giving each other.
 
My office remains open with minimal staff in the electorate office in Manly but everyone else working from home. If we can help, please phone us on 9977 6411 or email us on Zali[email protected]