Support for Employees.
- The Australian Government’s JobKeeper package offers a wage subsidy of up to $1500 per fortnight per employee to keep eligible businesses paying their staff.
- If you are experiencing financial hardship, National Debt Helpline offers free financial counselling
- Mental health for employees – HeadsUp in collaboration with Beyond Blue
- Looking after your mental health during the Corona Virus – Beyond Blue (call ph 1300 224 636)
- Early access to superannuation– Sole traders or casual workers with an income reduced by 20% or more can access up to $10,000 of the superannuation tax-free.
- Vehicle registration relief – Businesses are not using their vehicles are able to de-register the vehicles and receive a refund.
Jobs Finder Queensland portal – a new online jobs portal to connect Queenslanders who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 with new job opportunities. Any Queensland job seeker can register their details, skills and location and access free online training at www.jobsfinder.qld.gov.au
The Australian Government’s JobKeeper package offers a wage subsidy of up to $1500 per fortnight per employee to keep eligible businesses paying their staff.
Employers and sole traders can register their interest in this program with the Australian Tax Office. The JobKeeper Payment factsheet for employers states the first payment will be received by employers from the ATO in the first week of May.
Supporting apprentices and trainees – Eligible employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50% of their apprentice’s or trainee’s wage paid during 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020.
Payroll tax relief package – Includes a range of payroll tax relief measures including applications for refunds of payroll tax and payroll tax holiday and deferrals.
Casual employees – The Australian Government is making support payments quicker to access by waiving the usual waiting period periods for casual employees.
Registered charities are now able to access the JobKeeper COVID-19 wage subsidy if they experience a 15 per cent decline in turnover (reduced from the 30 per cent decline threshold currently in place for all businesses with a turnover of $1 billion or less).
Worker transition scheme – For workers who may find themselves without work.
The Australian Government Jobs Hubs – actively supporting businesses to connect with those looking for work.
Centrelink – individuals can register their intention to claim a Centrelink payment if they have been affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) at servicesaustralia.gov.au/
Working holiday makers/seasonal workers already in Qld are encouraged to use the Harvest Labour website to register for / seek work. They should not be approaching farms directly to seek work or accommodation.
Early access to superannuation – Casual workers with an income or hours reduced by 20% or more, access up to $10,000 of their superannuation tax-free.
Fair Work Australia –workplace obligations and entitlements – Help and advice for employers and employees with entitlements during this time.
Fair Work Ombudsman – Provides education, assistance, advice and guidance to employers, employees, outworkers, outworker entities and organisations.
A new COVID-19 Rental Grant is available for Queenslanders who have lost their job due to the impacts of COVID-19 and who do not have access to other financial assistance. They can also visit the Residential Rental Hub for information and support on COVID-19 changes affecting renting in Queensland.
Residential Tenancies Authority – The RTA provides further information on residential renting. Contact can be made on their information line on 1800 497 161 from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday or from 9am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday, or text “Hi” to 0480 000 782.
Feel free to contact us with any feedback, suggestions or updates to this page. Our goal is to provide our members and the broader industry with a ‘one-stop-shop’ for timely and relevant information.
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