The Australian music industry includes many small businesses and sole traders, who earn their living in crowded venues, and at events a long time in preparation. They are heavily and immediately affected by any restrictions that come into play, even if they live and work in another part of an affected state or across the country, therefore the assistance announce this week will be very welcome news for many impacted in our industry.
This week’s package of financial assistance provides support in 2 parts:
- Individuals go to Services Australia
- Businesses go to Service NSW
- Victorian Individuals AND Businesses go to Services Australia
For Individuals
The Commonwealth will enhance and expand the support available to NSW and other states that experience an extended lockdown.
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/covid-19-disaster-payment
From week four of a lockdown because of a Commonwealth declared hotspot, the COVID-19 Disaster Payment will increase from $500 to $600 each week if a person has lost 20 hours or more of work a week or $325 to $375 each week if a person has lost between 8 and 20 hours of work.
You need to meet all the eligibility rules to get the payment.
Note here to be eligible ensure that
- you’re not getting the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment, a state or territory pandemic payment or a state small business payment for the same period
For the NSW residents choosing Business Support
Depending on GST status, there are 2 main options:
For business, sole trader or not-for-profit organisations – $75k and higher – Small Business Grants up to $15k
For ABN sole trader $30k-$75k – Microbusiness grants $1500 per fortnight from commencement
Registration is here – https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/covid-19-business-support-2021
Its critical applicants take care in considering their personal circumstances including location, timeframes and income when deciding which support package to apply for, and please seek advice from Services Australia and Service NSW.
For Victoria
The Victorian Government will provide new cash grants for businesses affected by the short lockdown. Payments are due to commence over the course of next week – with total funding of $201.8 million. Eligible businesses will include restaurants, cafes bars, event suppliers, tourism and accommodation providers and nonessential retailers.
The Victorian Government has also reached agreement with the Commonwealth Government to fund income support payments from day one of the lockdown.
Workers affected by the public health restrictions are now eligible for the same payments afforded by the Commonwealth to New South Wales workers:
- Payments of $600 will be made to Victorians that lose 20 hours or more of work during the period of the lockdown
- Payments of $375 will be made to individuals that lose between 8-20 hours of work during the period of the lockdown
- There is no liquid assets test applied to receive these payments
The Federal Government will fund payments for those Victorians who work or live in a COVID-19 Hotspot declared by the Commonwealth – that includes Greater Melbourne, Moorabool Shire, the City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliffe and the Surf Coast Shire.
The Victorian Government will fund payments for Victorians who live outside of these areas but are still subject to the lockdown. All applications can be made through the Services Australia at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au
Associated Media Releases Include:
Commonwealth Government: NSW COVID-19 SUPPORT PACKAGE – “The support package will see an increase in the COVID-19 Disaster Payment from week four of a lockdown and a 50/50 cost sharing arrangement between the Commonwealth and the NSW Government for a new and expanded small to medium business support package, implemented and administered by NSW”.
NSW Government: COVID-19 fighting fund to protect businesses, save jobs and support NSW through lockdown – “The business grants program announced two weeks ago has been expanded, with grants between $7,500 and $15,000 available to eligible businesses with annual wages up to $10 million. A new grant program has also been introduced for smaller micro businesses with turnover between $30,000 and $75,000”.
Live Performance Australia and NSW Arts Minister Don Harwin: Lifeline for performing arts and live music – “The NSW Government is providing a remarkable shot in the arm to the performing arts and live music sector. We understand the critical role the performing arts and live music sectors play in stimulating the economy and creating jobs,” said Don Harwin, NSW Minister for the Arts.
APRA AMCOS, ARIA and PPCA: APRA AMCOS, ARIA and PPCA welcome much-needed COVID-19 fighting fund – “We urge governments of all levels to also work with the industry on a business interruption support package, and harmonising policies across live music, theatre and sporting events, as part of ensuring the reopening and rebuilding of our industry.
VIC Premier Daniel Andrews: CASH SUPPORT FOR VICTORIAN BUSINESSES DURING LOCKDOWN – “The Victorian Government will provide new cash grants for businesses affected by the short lockdown necessary to get ahead of the Delta strain, so they can have a strong recovery on the other side of the public health restrictions”.
FYI – see also from Victoria from May which you may also be across – Victorian Events Support Package https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/victorian-events-support-package
Stay safe and well!
