The Commonwealth and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Governments are working together to extend the COVID-19 Business Support Grants in line with the extension of the ACT lockdown to 2 September.
The ACT COVID-19 Business Support Grants will deliver support of up to $10,000 for employing businesses and $4,000 for non-employing businesses over the three week lockdown period where those businesses’ turnover has declined by 30 per cent or more as a result of the COVID-19 health restrictions.
Businesses must be registered in the ACT and able to demonstrate their primary operation in the ACT, have an annual turnover of more than $75,000, be registered for GST and have a total payroll of less than $10 million. They will also need to provide evidence of a 30 per cent reduction in their turnover.
The package will be split on a 50/50 basis between the Commonwealth and the ACT Governments, with the Territory government to administer the program.
This is a similar arrangement that has been in place for businesses in other jurisdictions impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns.
With news of this extension, the detailed guidelines and the application process are now being finalised and will be made available as soon as possible.
Businesses can register their interest for the grants and the Covid-19 Business Hardship Scheme on the Business Hub website.
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the Morrison and ACT governments were working together to ensure households and businesses are supported during this challenging time.
“The Morrison Government recognises the announced extension of the lockdown will have a significant impact on households and businesses in the ACT,” the Treasurer said.
“That is why we are providing the necessary economic assistance in the form of the COVID-19 Disaster Payments for individuals and expanded businesses support along with the ACT Government.”
“This support builds on the $2.1 billion the Federal Government has delivered to households and businesses in the capital.”
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the extended package would help to keep businesses in business and people in jobs.
“We know that extended lockdowns are particularly hard for businesses, especially those who have been experiencing a downturn in trade for some months due to restrictions interstate, the Chief Minister said.
“The ACT Government will continue to work constructively with the Commonwealth Government to support businesses and keep people in jobs.”
Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja said the Federal Government was committed to supporting the needs of businesses across the Territory at this challenging time.
“Ensuring our support is as accessible as possible is important to provide certainty and confidence for Canberra businesses impacted by this lockdown,” Senator Seselja said.
“The next few weeks will be tough for many businesses and small business owners, and this support together with the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Disaster payment will assist businesses to stay connected with their employees, and be able to reopen and recover as quickly as possible when lockdown ends.”
“The Federal Government remains committed to co-funding additional business support measures on a 50/50 basis with the ACT Government, should they put forward further proposals.”
More details are available via www.act.gov.au/business/business-support/covid-19-economic-support-for-business
Month: August 2021
Contract for Business Improvement Association Support Services
Hamilton business owner Janice Musumeci has been awarded a two-year contract to provide Business Improvement Association (BIA) support services, replacing previous provider Purser Corporate Communications (Purser).
The initial support services contract was awarded to Purser in 2019 following independent recommendations made to improve the use of Special Business Rate funds, which are collected to promote, beautify and develop the City’s business precincts.
The centralised support service for BIAs delivers efficiencies for its members by providing a shared resource to manage their administrative and compliance obligations. This allows members more time and resources to focus on delivering projects and events that will activate, promote and enhance their precincts.
The contract with Purser ends this month, with the consultancy announcing in July it would be closing its doors after almost 40 years in Newcastle.
Ms Musumeci was awarded the support services contract following a competitive tender process. She has demonstrated a strong ability to deliver outcomes for the business community through her role as Chair of the Hamilton Business Improvement Association, a position she will leave to take the support services contract.
Visit Business Improvement Associations on the City of Newcastle website for more information.
Community steers vision for historic Gregson Park
City of Newcastle has unveiled a new vision for Hamilton’s historic Gregson Park as part of the development of a draft masterplan.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said community feedback in 2020 has helped shape the future of the much-loved park.
“We asked our community to tell us their aspirations for Gregson Park, as well as their memories from days gone by to help guide the way the park is managed and renewed into the future,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The valuable feedback we received has informed a masterplan for the renewal of Gregson Park that ensures the community’s needs and wants are reflected in future improvements.
“We heard that the community wants to see the incorporation of Aboriginal culture, more planting of native species, an upgrade of amenities, improvements to the playspace, creation of spaces for the community to come together, provision for active recreation, and the retention of the existing heritage elements and much-loved fig trees.
“The new masterplan for Gregson Park, which showcases three key components including a new playspace, community hub on the former bowling green and multi-sports activity hub, aims to celebrate the existing heritage of the site and Awabakal culture, while meeting the recreational needs of the local community.”
Local history writer, Ruth Cotton, welcomed the exciting plans for the inner-city park which is steeped in history.
“Gregson Park continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Novocastrians and I’m really pleased that the heritage of the park will be retained into the future. I have no doubt that as the plans come to fruition, Gregson Park will remain a historic gem that continues to pay homage to its past.” Ms Cotton said.
The vision for Gregson Park shows a larger inclusive playspace in its existing location, new community shelter on the former bowling club site, more shaded seating areas, potential for community gardens and kiosk, resurfaced tennis courts, additional active recreation facilities and upgraded amenities.
It also proposes the realignment of some pathways, opportunities for a stormwater retention tank and removal of the glasshouse building subject to heritage assessment.
Gregson Park also has great potential as an event space, due to the connection through the local area and proximity to the business district in Beaumont Street. The southern area of the park and new shelter will provide opportunities for markets, community festivals, and activations through the year.
The Masterplan for the site is intended to be implemented across a ten-year period with short-term and long-term priorities.
Short-term priorities earmarked for implementation within five years include the playspace, realigned paths, plantings and community shelter. Work on the playspace featuring nature play, water play and small yarning circle, will start in 2022 under the city’s annual asset renewal program.
Long-term priorities include the active recreation area, community gardens and stormwater retention tank.
To enable the realisation of the intent and vision of the Gregson Park Masterplan, amendments to the Heritage Places Plan of Management for Gregson Park are also being prepared.
Council will consider a report to place the draft Gregson Park Masterplan, along with amendments to the Heritage Places Plan of Management for Gregson Park, on public exhibition in late-August.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said community feedback in 2020 has helped shape the future of the much-loved park.
“We asked our community to tell us their aspirations for Gregson Park, as well as their memories from days gone by to help guide the way the park is managed and renewed into the future,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The valuable feedback we received has informed a masterplan for the renewal of Gregson Park that ensures the community’s needs and wants are reflected in future improvements.
“We heard that the community wants to see the incorporation of Aboriginal culture, more planting of native species, an upgrade of amenities, improvements to the playspace, creation of spaces for the community to come together, provision for active recreation, and the retention of the existing heritage elements and much-loved fig trees.
“The new masterplan for Gregson Park, which showcases three key components including a new playspace, community hub on the former bowling green and multi-sports activity hub, aims to celebrate the existing heritage of the site and Awabakal culture, while meeting the recreational needs of the local community.”
Local history writer, Ruth Cotton, welcomed the exciting plans for the inner-city park which is steeped in history.
“Gregson Park continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Novocastrians and I’m really pleased that the heritage of the park will be retained into the future. I have no doubt that as the plans come to fruition, Gregson Park will remain a historic gem that continues to pay homage to its past.” Ms Cotton said.
The vision for Gregson Park shows a larger inclusive playspace in its existing location, new community shelter on the former bowling club site, more shaded seating areas, potential for community gardens and kiosk, resurfaced tennis courts, additional active recreation facilities and upgraded amenities.
It also proposes the realignment of some pathways, opportunities for a stormwater retention tank and removal of the glasshouse building subject to heritage assessment.
Gregson Park also has great potential as an event space, due to the connection through the local area and proximity to the business district in Beaumont Street. The southern area of the park and new shelter will provide opportunities for markets, community festivals, and activations through the year.
The Masterplan for the site is intended to be implemented across a ten-year period with short-term and long-term priorities.
Short-term priorities earmarked for implementation within five years include the playspace, realigned paths, plantings and community shelter. Work on the playspace featuring nature play, water play and small yarning circle, will start in 2022 under the city’s annual asset renewal program.
Long-term priorities include the active recreation area, community gardens and stormwater retention tank.
To enable the realisation of the intent and vision of the Gregson Park Masterplan, amendments to the Heritage Places Plan of Management for Gregson Park are also being prepared.
Council will consider a report to place the draft Gregson Park Masterplan, along with amendments to the Heritage Places Plan of Management for Gregson Park, on public exhibition in late-August.
Neo-Nazi revelations more evidence of far-right organising
A shocking investigation by Nine into Australia’s largest white supremacist group has uncovered the most horrific evidence yet of a growing far-right movement, the Greens say.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens anti-racism spokesperson, said:
“The investigation is shocking but not entirely surprising for those of us who have followed the rise of the far-right closely and are impacted by racism and its deadly consequences.
“These men want nothing less than a white ethno-state and violence against any minorities and anti-racists who seek to stand in its way. If not dealt with now, they will pose an existential threat to our multicultural society.
“We have to deal with the extremists themselves, but also the political environment in which they are emboldened and led down a path of hate. Too often, racism is given a free pass in media and mainstream politics.
“The government must develop, fund and roll out a far-reaching anti-racism plan. We know white supremacy and racism is festering in society. There is no time to waste. We need an unambiguous commitment to anti-racism.
“There must be a zero tolerance approach. Laws on hate speech must be enforced and strengthened and community programs to counter the far-right require significant investment.”
Senator Lidia Thorpe, Greens First Nations and justice spokesperson, said:
“First Nations people have faced the violence of white supremacy since colonisation. Will the Morrison government take a stand against the latest threat, or be complicit in their silence?
“We need to be clear about who and what constitutes a threat to our communities.
“In 2019, an Australian was responsible for two mass shootings at Mosques in Aotearoa (New Zealand). In 2020, ASIO revealed that 40% of counter-terrorism cases involve far-right violent extremism. In 2021, what is the Morrison government doing to keep Aboriginal people and multicultural communities safe?
Early learning services must be supported
Australian Greens Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has said that early learning and care services impacted by lockdowns must be supported through relief payments.
Senator Faruqi said:
“Thousands of early learning centres came to the brink of collapse in 2020 and we don’t want to see the same situation repeating itself.
“Centres are struggling to keep their doors open. Relying on the gap-fee waiver is unsustainable. In the end, families, children and early educators will be impacted.
“Relief payments can be made to ensure centres remain open and viable. It’s beyond time for the Education Minister to announce a scheme for all those centres affected by lockdowns across the country.
“With the current wave hitting many parts of the country, this system should be flexible and able to be switched on when lockdowns are ordered. This should be top priority.
“At the end of the day, this grim situation just underscores how broken the system is. Early learning and care should be universal and free, well-funded by the government, and not run for profit.”
New headspace services for young Australians in Ocean Grove
One in four young Australians are affected by a mental illness every year. Many young people have also been substantially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, making it more important than ever to ensure access to youth mental health services.
The headspace program aims to improve access for young people aged 12 to 25 years who have, or are at risk of, mental illness. headspace provides free or low cost youth-friendly support in four key areas—mental health, related physical health, substance misuse, and social and vocational support.
This new headspace service is part of the Morrison Government’s $111.3 million funding commitment to establish 30 new headspace services.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said young people have been significantly affected by the impacts of bushfires, floods and COVID-19, and access to mental health services and support was more important than ever.
“headspace offers a safe, welcoming place where young people can get non-judgmental professional help and peer support and provides quality frontline support, ensuring the best possible care for people who are at risk,” Minister Hunt said.
“Our Government is committed to ensuring young Australians can get information, advice, counselling or treatment, when and where they need it.”
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said mental health and suicide prevention remained one of the Morrison Government’s highest priorities.
“To date, headspace has provided 3.6 million services to people around Australia, and we are committed to ensuring young Australians can continue to get information, advice, counselling or treatment, when and where they need it,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
“In the 2021-22 Budget, we provided an additional $278.6 million to strengthen the national headspace network by establishing new services and significantly enhancing those that already exist to ensure young people get the support and care they need. This will bring the Government’s investments in the headspace network over the next four years to a record $873.2 million.”
Senator for Victoria, Senator Sarah Henderson said the official opening of the Ocean Grove site will provide localised, tailored support for young people close to home.
“There are more pressures on young people today than ever before and the expansion of headspace will be vitally important in providing additional services for young people in Ocean Grove,” Senator Henderson said.
“We know intervention at the earliest possible stage is important to reduce the duration and impact of mental illness, so I encourage young people in our community to reach out if they need help.
“This support for young people suffering mental health challenges will be very welcome in the Ocean Grove community and across the Bellarine.”
This headspace satellite service has been commissioned by the Western Victoria Primary Health Network and is designed to meet the needs of young people in Ocean Grove.
The Morrison Government continues to make mental health a national priority, investing a record $2.3 billion in the 2021-22 Budget for the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to lead landmark reform of the mental health system.
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through headspace (https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), Lifeline (13 11 14), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).
If you are concerned about suicide, living with someone who is considering suicide, or bereaved by suicide, the Suicide Call Back Service is available at 1300 659 467 or on their website.
PM Statement on Afghanistan
The situation on the ground in Kabul, as in the rest of Afghanistan, is evolving rapidly.
As in any crisis situation, the Australian Government’s priority is to ensure the safety of its citizens. We have over 130 Australians in Afghanistan, working in the UN, NGOs, and elsewhere, and we are working to bring them and their families home.
We are also assisting those who have been granted humanitarian visas, and others who are in the process of applying for protection.
We are closely connected to the US, UK, Canada, and other allies and partners.
As a partner committed for many years to helping Afghanistan build its future, we are deeply concerned at the potential for further loss of life and suffering.
The Taliban must cease all violence against civilians, and adhere to international humanitarian law and the human rights all Afghans are entitled to expect, in particular women and girls. The Taliban will be held fully accountable for any killing or other mistreatment of Afghan military and other security forces who have surrendered or been captured. Afghan Government officials and elected political leaders are fully entitled to be treated with safety, respect and dignity.
The Taliban’s leadership is responsible and accountable for the conduct of its forces.
Those preparing to leave the country must be able to do so without threat or hinderance. We will continue to work with key partners in the days ahead to enable this safe passage.
New headspace services for young Australians in Ocean Grove
Young Australians across the Bellarine will now have easier access to mental health services when and where they need it most, with the opening of a new headspace satellite service this week.
One in four young Australians are affected by a mental illness every year. Many young people have also been substantially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, making it more important than ever to ensure access to youth mental health services.
The headspace program aims to improve access for young people aged 12 to 25 years who have, or are at risk of, mental illness. headspace provides free or low cost youth-friendly support in four key areas—mental health, related physical health, substance misuse, and social and vocational support.
This new headspace service is part of the Morrison Government’s $111.3 million funding commitment to establish 30 new headspace services.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said young people have been significantly affected by the impacts of bushfires, floods and COVID-19, and access to mental health services and support was more important than ever.
“headspace offers a safe, welcoming place where young people can get non-judgmental professional help and peer support and provides quality frontline support, ensuring the best possible care for people who are at risk,” Minister Hunt said.
“Our Government is committed to ensuring young Australians can get information, advice, counselling or treatment, when and where they need it.”
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said mental health and suicide prevention remained one of the Morrison Government’s highest priorities.
“To date, headspace has provided 3.6 million services to people around Australia, and we are committed to ensuring young Australians can continue to get information, advice, counselling or treatment, when and where they need it,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
“In the 2021-22 Budget, we provided an additional $278.6 million to strengthen the national headspace network by establishing new services and significantly enhancing those that already exist to ensure young people get the support and care they need. This will bring the Government’s investments in the headspace network over the next four years to a record $873.2 million.”
Senator for Victoria, Senator Sarah Henderson said the official opening of the Ocean Grove site will provide localised, tailored support for young people close to home.
“There are more pressures on young people today than ever before and the expansion of headspace will be vitally important in providing additional services for young people in Ocean Grove,” Senator Henderson said.
“We know intervention at the earliest possible stage is important to reduce the duration and impact of mental illness, so I encourage young people in our community to reach out if they need help.
“This support for young people suffering mental health challenges will be very welcome in the Ocean Grove community and across the Bellarine.”
This headspace satellite service has been commissioned by the Western Victoria Primary Health Network and is designed to meet the needs of young people in Ocean Grove.
The Morrison Government continues to make mental health a national priority, investing a record $2.3 billion in the 2021-22 Budget for the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to lead landmark reform of the mental health system.
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through headspace (https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), Lifeline (13 11 14), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).
If you are concerned about suicide, living with someone who is considering suicide, or bereaved by suicide, the Suicide Call Back Service is available at 1300 659 467 or on their website.
NSW Government extends financial support for tenants and landlords
The NSW Government has announced it will provide increased security for tenants and financial support for landlords by extending the Residential Tenancy Support package.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said the Residential Tenancy Support package will now be paid for a second month and eligible landlords can now apply for up to $3,000 to cover the two months from 14 July 2021, assuming they have reduced rent for their tenant by at least that much.
“The NSW Government is ensuring both residential tenants and landlords have ongoing support by extending financial assistance for private landlords who pass on rent relief,” Mr Anderson said.
“Keeping people safe doesn’t just mean reducing the health threats of the virus. It is vital we help keep a roof over the heads of those who may be suffering financial hardship at this difficult time.”
Mr Anderson said landlords who have already applied can make an additional application and those who are yet to apply will be able to make one application for the total amount of rent waived, up to $1,500 a month.
“We have always encouraged landlords and tenants to work together to negotiate on rental agreements and the NSW Government has now made that conversation easier by supporting landlords so they can reduce rent for their tenants,” Mr Anderson said.
“It’s hard enough having to lockdown in your home while we stop the spread of the virus, but this NSW Government support means you can do that without fear of being evicted.”
Landlords will also have the option to apply for the COVID-19 land tax benefit instead of applying for the Residential Tenancy Support Payment, which is an offset of the land tax liability equal to the rent reduction granted.
Eligible COVID-19 impacted residential tenants who cannot meet their residential rent payments will be protected from eviction during the moratorium period commencing from 14 July and finishing at the end of 11 September 2021.
For more information on the package or to apply go to Residential tenancy support package | NSW Fair Trading
Increased fines, test and isolate payments and new compliance measures as NSW battles Delta
Increased fines of up to $5,000 for COVID breaches, $320 COVID-19 Test and Isolate Support Payments, permits to enter regional NSW and a heightened police presence will be introduced, as NSW continues to battle the Delta variant.
In addition, in Greater Sydney and other lockdown areas, the 10 kilometre rule will be reduced from 12.01am Monday, August 16, with shopping, exercise and outdoor recreation to be done in a person’s local government area (LGA) or, if outside their LGA, within 5 kilometres of home. LGAs of concern must still exercise and shop within 5 kilometres from home only.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the vast majority of people are doing the right thing but there are a handful of people who are wilfully breaking the rules and putting the rest of the community at risk.
“The increased fines and heightened police presence are about ensuring people who are doing the wrong thing are caught and punished appropriately,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Under the changes, there will be increased fines for Public Health Order breaches, a permit system to enter regional NSW and tightened rules for people in LGAs of concern to help reduce the spread of the Delta variant.
Increased fines for Public Health Order breaches (from 12.01am, Monday, 16 August):
- $5,000 on the spot fine for breaching self-isolation rules;
- $5,000 on the spot fine for lying on a permit (already a criminal offence);
- $5,000 on the spot fine for lying to a contact tracer (already a criminal offence);
- $3,000 on the spot fine for breaching the two person outdoor exercise/recreation rule; and
- $3,000 on the spot fine for breaching rules around entry into regional NSW for authorised work, inspecting real estate and travelling to your second home.
Permit system to enter regional NSW (from 12.01am, Saturday, 21 August):
- Any person who wishes to travel to regional NSW for one of the following reasons must have a permit which will be made available on Service NSW.
- authorised workers from LGAs of concern;
- Inspecting real estate. Any person inspecting real estate in the regions must now genuinely need a home to live in (no investment properties); and
- Travelling to your second home. This is now only allowed if you are using the home for work accommodation or if the home requires urgent maintenance and repairs (if so, only one person may travel there).
Changes for residents in local government areas of concern:
- From 12.01am, Monday, 16 August: only exercise and supervision of children allowed (no outdoor recreation);
- From 12.01am, Saturday, 21 August: People who live alone must now register their “singles bubble”. Registration will be made available on nsw.gov.au.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the NSW Police Force will also have an increased and more visible presence across Greater Sydney, backed up by 500 additional Australian Defence Force personnel.