COVID-19 IN AUSTRALIA - Packaging and Processing Machinery Industry State by State Information and Support Services Directory - APPMA
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COVID-19 IN AUSTRALIA
Packaging and Processing Machinery Industry State
by State Information and Support Services
Directory.
Objective
This document has been prepared to assist APPMA members to navigate and remain up to
date with Federal and State Government policies, subsidies and restrictions related to
COVID-19. The document is based on information sources and available on various Federal
and State Government websites as at 1 April 2020. The APPMA will update this document on
a regular basis as more information is made available.
Please direct any questions, suggestions and/or relevant information to
appma@appma.com.au
APPMA Board and Management Team.
Prepared by the APPMA
1 April 2020Contents
LET’S GET SIMPLE – Border Restrictions ........................................................................................................................... 4
ACT - AUS CAPITAL TERRITORY ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Borders .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Stimulus packages ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Economic Survival Package ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Access Canberra Business Liaison Line ..................................................................................................................... 5
Canberra Business Advice and Support Service ........................................................................................................ 5
Electricity rebates ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
Six month waiver of payroll tax ................................................................................................................................ 5
Payroll tax deferral .................................................................................................................................................... 5
Commercial general rates ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Main Websites .............................................................................................................................................................. 6
NORTHERN TERRITORY ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Borders .......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
What the restrictions mean ...................................................................................................................................... 7
What will happen when you arrive ........................................................................................................................... 7
Who is exempt .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Rules for freight coming into the Northern Territory ............................................................................................... 8
Stimulus packages ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
Northern Territory Jobs Rescue and Recovery ......................................................................................................... 8
Main Websites .............................................................................................................................................................. 9
NEW SOUTH WALES ........................................................................................................................................................ 10
Borders ........................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Staying at Home .......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Stimulus packages ....................................................................................................................................................... 10
Business Concierge service ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Cost of Living ........................................................................................................................................................... 11
SafeWork NSW ............................................................................................................................................................ 11
Main Websites ............................................................................................................................................................ 11
QUEENSLAND .................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Borders ........................................................................................................................................................................ 12
Stimulus packages ....................................................................................................................................................... 12
Coronavirus payroll tax relief .................................................................................................................................. 12
Queensland COVID19 Jobs Support Loans .............................................................................................................. 12
Market diversification and resilience grants........................................................................................................... 13
Supply Chain matching and support ....................................................................................................................... 14
Power bill relief ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
Main Websites ............................................................................................................................................................ 14
SOUTH AUSTRALIA .......................................................................................................................................................... 15
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery AssociationBorders ........................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Exemptions.............................................................................................................................................................. 15
Stimulus packages ....................................................................................................................................................... 15
Job Accelerator Grants ............................................................................................................................................ 15
Payroll Tax Relief ..................................................................................................................................................... 16
Land tax ................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Main Websites ............................................................................................................................................................ 16
TASMANIA ....................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Borders ........................................................................................................................................................................ 17
Tasmanian Arrivals Form......................................................................................................................................... 17
Essential Traveller Status ........................................................................................................................................ 17
Stimulus Packages ....................................................................................................................................................... 17
Government fees and charges ................................................................................................................................ 17
Payroll tax relief ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
Additional funding to help our workforce .............................................................................................................. 18
Local Government Loan Scheme ............................................................................................................................ 18
Additional support for small businesses ................................................................................................................. 18
Grants & Loans ........................................................................................................................................................ 18
WorkSafe Tasmania .................................................................................................................................................... 18
Main Websites ............................................................................................................................................................ 19
VICTORIA ......................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Borders ........................................................................................................................................................................ 20
Staying at Home .......................................................................................................................................................... 20
Stimulus Packages ....................................................................................................................................................... 20
Business Support Fund ............................................................................................................................................ 20
Fast tracking outstanding supplier invoices ............................................................................................................ 21
Business Victoria Hotline ........................................................................................................................................ 21
Payroll tax waived ................................................................................................................................................... 21
Main Websites ............................................................................................................................................................ 21
WESTERN AUSTRALIA...................................................................................................................................................... 22
Borders ........................................................................................................................................................................ 22
WA Border Arrivals Form ........................................................................................................................................ 22
WA Border Restrictions - Application for Special Exemption ................................................................................. 22
Stimulus Packages ....................................................................................................................................................... 22
Main Websites ............................................................................................................................................................ 22
NATIONAL ....................................................................................................................................................................... 23
General Employer Information ................................................................................................................................... 23
Borders ........................................................................................................................................................................ 23
State & Territory Borders ........................................................................................................................................ 23
International Borders .............................................................................................................................................. 23
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery AssociationNational Heavy Vehicle Regulator .......................................................................................................................... 23
Stimulus Packages ....................................................................................................................................................... 23
Businesses ............................................................................................................................................................... 23
Coronavirus Business Liaison Unit .......................................................................................................................... 25
Individuals ............................................................................................................................................................... 26
Bank Support ........................................................................................................................................................... 26
Exporters ................................................................................................................................................................. 26
Main Websites ............................................................................................................................................................ 26
Apps & Technology ..................................................................................................................................................... 27
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery AssociationLET’S GET SIMPLE – Border Restrictions
Does your business NEED to travel in
order to continue operations?
YES NO
Does your business NEED to travel in DO NOT TRAVEL
order to provide an ESSENTIAL If you do, there is a chance you may
service? not be able to enter state/territory
borders. If you are allowed, then
most states/territories will enforce a
YES NO 14 day quarantine period.
Are you travelling to NT, QLD, SA,
TAS, WA?
If you are travelling to VIC, NSW, ACT there
YES NO are currently no plans to restrict their
borders.
However, you could be asked why you are
travelling by patrolling authorities. It is
You will need to apply for an important that you have documentation
exemption before entering. providing an understanding for your travel
in case of this.
See below.
NT QLD
SA TAS
WA
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery AssociationACT - AUS CAPITAL TERRITORY
Borders
ACT have not restricted their borders. Unlike NSW & VIC who have made statements that they will not restrict their
borders now or in the future the ACT have not at this time made such a statements.
It is recommended that you check the below website for any updates about travelling in/out of the ACT:
https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/help-and-advice/travellers
Stimulus packages
Economic Survival Package
The ACT Government is delivering a $137 million economic survival package to support the ACT community through
the public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Access Canberra Business Liaison Line
Access Canberra is providing information and advice to businesses on their compliance with requirements, diversifying
their business and supports that are available. This service also offers practical advice for businesses operating through
changed arrangements due to COVID-19.
Call 6205 0900 to discuss your business needs.
Canberra Business Advice and Support Service
This service supports business owners to address the impact of recent events on their business and provide one-on-
one business management advice. Business owners can receive up to four hours of free, tailored advice and access
online business development resources.
Call 6297 3121 to make a booking.
Electricity rebates
Small business owners with electricity usage below 100 megawatts per year will see rebates of $750 automatically
applied to their next electricity bill in around June or July 2020.
The rebate will apply regardless of whether customers are on standing or market offers. You do not need to contact
your electricity supplier as this will be automatically applied.
Six month waiver of payroll tax
All businesses whose operations are directly affected by the ‘prohibited activities list’ will receive a six-month waiver
of payroll tax from April to September 2020.
Businesses will need to complete a simple online application form on the ACT Revenue Office website to confirm
their eligibility.
- For those who lodge their payroll tax return monthly, the first waiver will be applied to the March payroll tax
return, which is usually payable by 7 April.
- For those who lodge their payroll tax return annually, the waiver will be applied to their account when their
return is received at the end of the 2019-20 financial year.
Payroll tax deferral
All ACT businesses with Group Australia-wide wages of up to $10 million can defer their 2020-21 payroll tax, interest
free until 1 July 2022. Businesses will need to complete a simple online application form (which will be available soon
on the ACT Revenue Office website at: ACT Revenue Office website) to apply for a refund.
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery AssociationEligible businesses will need to lodge their payroll tax returns as normal but will not be required to make the
associated payment at the usual time. If the deferred amount is paid before 1 July 2022, no interest will be charged.
Interest will be applied to any outstanding deferred amounts from 1 July 2022.
- For those who lodge their payroll tax assessment monthly, deferral can commence for their July 2020 payroll
tax liability, which is usually payable by 7 August.
- For those who lodge their payroll tax assessment annually, they can defer payment of their full 2020-21 payroll
tax liability, which is usually payable in July 2021.
Commercial general rates
Commercial property owners with an Average Unimproved Value of $2 million or less on their property are eligible
for a rebate on their commercial rates fixed charge.
Commercial rate payers will receive a credit of $2,622 (equivalent to the annual fixed charge) to their 2019-20
general rates, in quarter four. This will be applied automatically.
Where rate payers have paid in full or have a quarter bill less than the credit, they will be eligible for a refund.
Businesses will need to complete a simple online application form (which will be available soon on the ACT Revenue
Office website) to apply for a refund.
Main Websites
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery AssociationNORTHERN TERRITORY
Borders
What the restrictions mean
If you are a non-essential traveller who has arrived at a Northern Territory border, you must self-quarantine for 14
days unless your situation is covered by an exemption category.
There are stricter quarantine measures that apply to:
- Arrivals from overseas after 28 March
- Arrivals from interstate after 1 April
You must be able to prove your status as an essential traveller before you will be granted an exemption from self-
quarantine.
What will happen when you arrive
Anyone seeking to enter the NT must fill in a border arrival form to declare:
- Where you have travelled in the last 30 days
- Your personal and contact details
- Information about where you intend to stay whilst in the Territory.
You can't self-quarantine at a park or reserve.
Border Arrival Form:
https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/806900/COVID-19_NT-Arrival-Form_V2.pdf
This form will also be available at border access points.
Who is exempt
Some people are exempt from the requirement to self-quarantine including:
- National and Northern Territory security and governance
- Health and emergency services
- Transport, freight and logistics
- Defence and policing
- Flight crews and freight – with strict guidelines in place to monitor and manage this
- People with specialist skills that are critical to maintaining key government services, industries or businesses.
Exemption categories for essential travellers
If you are an interstate or overseas visitor arriving in the Northern Territory, you must self-quarantine for 14 days
unless you are an essential traveller.
To be an essential traveller, you must meet one of the following exemption categories below.
National and Northern Territory security and governance
- Any Government senior official who in the carriage of his or her duties is responsible for the safety of the
Nation or Territory against threats such as terrorism, war, or espionage, and is required to be present in the
Territory for such purposes.
- Active military personnel required to be on duty in the Territory while in the Territory.
- A member of the Commonwealth Parliament who is ordinarily resident in the Territory.
- Health services
- A health practitioner who is ordinarily a resident in the Territory and who is requested by the chief executive
officer of the Department of Health, or his or her delegate, to return to the Territory to present for duty in the
Territory.
- A health practitioner who is requested by the Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Health, or his or
her delegate, to present for duty in the Territory to perform, during the period in which the person will be
present in the Territory, duties required to be performed in the Territory.
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery AssociationTransport, freight and logistics
- Any person who in the performance of his or her duties is responsible for provision of services for transport
or freight of goods, and logistics related thereto, into, within and out of the Territory. That person must avoid
close contact with other persons while in the Territory by remaining self-isolated in their vehicle or
accommodation.
- Ship crew, for the limited period of delivery of persons, transport or freight of goods, or logistics related
thereto, into, within and out of the Territory, and for no other purpose. That person must avoid close contact
with other persons while in the Territory by remaining on board ship in self-isolate until the ship departs the
Territory or via a flight, where that isolate period is less than 14 days.
- A member of a flight crew who remains in self-isolate until departing the Territory via another flight, where
that period is less than 14 days.
Specialist skills critical to maintaining key government services, industries or businesses
- Any specialists required for industry or business continuity and maintenance of competitive operations where
the appropriate skills are not available in the Territory, where the service is time-critical and where the
provision of the service requires that the person be physically present in the Territory.
- Any person who, in the carriage of his or her duties, is responsible, while in the Territory, for critical
maintenance or repair of infrastructure critical to the Territory.
- A paramedic, or an officer of St John Ambulance Australia (NT) Inc, Careflight crew, or Royal Flying Doctor
Service crew who are returning to the Territory as soon as practicable after providing medical transport to a
patient or who is returning to the Territory while providing medical transport to a person.
- A paramedic, or an officer of St John Ambulance Australia (NT) Inc, who is ordinarily resident in the Territory
and who is requested by the Chief Executive Officer of St John Ambulance Australia (NT) Inc, or his or her
delegate, to return to the Territory to present for duty in the Territory.
- An emergency service worker who is ordinarily resident in the Northern Territory and who is requested by his
or her delegate, to return to the Northern Territory to present for duty in the Northern Territory. This includes;
St John Ambulance, Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Department of Health.
- A member of the Australian Federal Police or Australian Border Force.
- A commercial fishing, mining/energy or agribusiness employee whose company or service provider to a
company has a plan, approved by the Chief Health Officer (CHO), on how it proposes to manage transmission
amongst its employees and prevent transmission to the wider community.
- Any other person, or class of persons exempted by the CHO because:
o The CHO considers they have compassionate or other grounds such that self-isolate would lead to an
unusual, undeserved or disproportionate hardship.
o The CHO considers they are essential for the proper functioning of the Territory.
o The CHO considers that their location of residence requires them to move across the border to obtain
critical goods and services.
Rules for freight coming into the Northern Territory
Freight will continue to come in and out of the Territory. This will not impact the delivery of essential goods and
services. Food and freight including petrol will continue. Supermarkets and stores will remain supplied.
Stimulus packages
Updated information on the programs, services and grants to support small business is available via the link below.
https://nt.gov.au/industry/support-for-business/programs-and-initiatives
Northern Territory Jobs Rescue and Recovery
The Northern Territory (NT) Government is delivering a Jobs Rescue and Recovery plan to help stimulate the economy
and keep Territorians in jobs. This package is the second phase of the response to the significant economic impact of
coronavirus (COVID-19), and is complementary to initiatives offered by the Australian Government to all jurisdictions.
- Home Improvement Scheme - $30 million
- Business Improvement Grant - $20 million
- Immediate Work Grant - $5 million
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association- Small Business Survival Fund - $50 million
- Territory Jobs Hub
Main Websites
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery AssociationNEW SOUTH WALES
NSW Government updates surrounding businesses and employees can be found here:
https://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/businesses-and-employees
Borders
NSW have indicated they will not be restricting their borders.
Staying at Home
However, it is important to note that NSW have announced new rules (Stage 3 Restrictions) surrounding the reasons
why people are allowed to leave their residence.
These are enforceable by NSW Police:
- In the case of an individual, the maximum penalty is $11,000, or imprisonment for 6 months, or both and a
further $5500 penalty may apply for each day the offence continues. The NSW Police may also issue on-the-
spot fines of $1000 for an offence.
- In the case of any corporation, the maximum penalty is $55,000 and a further $27,500 penalty may apply for
each day the offence continues.
You may only leave home with a reasonable excuse, including to:
- avoid injury or illness or escape a risk of harm
- deal with emergencies or on compassionate grounds
- access childcare
- provide care or assistance (including personal care) to a vulnerable person or to provide emergency assistance
- attend a wedding or funeral (subject to 5 and 10 person limits)
- move to a new place of residence, or between your different places of residence
- donate blood
- undertake legal obligations
- access social services, employment services, services provided to victims (including as victims of crime),
domestic violence services, and mental health services
- continue existing arrangements for access to, and contact between, parents and children for children who do
not live in the same household as their parents or one of their parents
- Go to a place of worship or to provide pastoral care if you are a priest, minister of religion or member of a
religious order.
PLEASE NOTE: You can go to work if you cannot work from home.
- Construction sites
- Factories
- Farms
- Mines
- Office buildings
More information surrounding this can be found here: https://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/public-health-orders
Stimulus packages
More information on NSW stimulus packages can be found here: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/covid-
19-help-small-businesses/financial-stimulus
The NSW Government has announced a stimulus package that includes the following initiatives for small business:
- Payroll tax changes
o Tax-free threshold increase from $900,000 to $1 million.
o Deferral of payroll tax for business with payrolls over $10 million for 6 months (up to $4 billion
deferred).
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Associationo An additional 3-month deferral for businesses with payrolls of $10 million or less who received a 3-
month waiver on payroll tax in the first package.
- Deferral of gaming tax for clubs, pubs and hotels, and lotteries tax for 6 months, conditional on these funds
being used to retain staff. This improves liquidity and helps these businesses stay afloat.
- Deferral of the parking space levy for 6 months.
- Deferral of rents for 6 months for commercial tenants with less than 20 employees in all Government-owned
properties.
Business Concierge service
https://mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/concierge
A Business Concierge (via phone or email) can help you understand changes to trading regulations, guide you through
the applications for financial assistance and explain how new developments will impact your business.
Cost of Living
The NSW Government is helping ease the cost of living with more than 70 rebates and savings.
You can browse NSW Government rebates and savings on the below page.
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/cost-living
SafeWork NSW
This guide is to help businesses (and other PCBUs) comply with their obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act
2011 during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Under WHS law all employers or businesses are required to take action
to manage the risk of COVID-19 to workers and others in the work environment.
Businesses must comply with national and state public health directions in relation to COVID-19. All workplaces must
assess the risk (in consultation with workers) and look for ways to minimise the spread of the virus.
More information from SafeWork NSW can be found here: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/resource-
library/Coronavirus-advice-and-guidance-for-NSW-workplaces
Main Websites
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery AssociationQUEENSLAND
Borders
https://www.qld.gov.au/about/newsroom/queensland-border-restrictions
- Those living outside of Queensland who provide critical services to Queensland:
o National/state security
o Essential health services
o Emergency services
o Transport of goods or freight including food
o Critical maintenance/repair to critical infrastructure in Queensland
o Construction, mining/energy/agribusinesses (and see below for specific requirements for FIFO
workers in these sectors)
o Federal, state or local government workers who are required to enter to Queensland to perform
official duties.
- If you are providing these critical services and need to enter Queensland, you can apply for an entry pass.
Heavy vehicles carrying any kinds of freight or good across the border do not have apply for an entry pass.
- https://www.qld.gov.au/border-pass
Freight and logistics for any goods into Queensland from interstate is still permitted, including retail goods for
pharmacies, grocery stores and petrol stations, on the condition that the person must practise social distancing
wherever possible, including maintaining a distance of at least 1.5 metres where reasonably practicable and remain
isolated in their vehicle or accommodation.
Stimulus packages
Coronavirus payroll tax relief
You may be eligible for one or more of a range of payroll tax relief measures as a result of the impacts of coronavirus
(COVID-19). These include:
- Refunds of payroll tax for 2 months
- A payroll tax holiday for 3 months
- Deferral of paying payroll tax for the 2020 calendar year.
As part of this relief package, the refund and payroll tax holiday do not have to be repaid.
More Information: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/employing/payroll-tax/lodging/coronavirus-
tax-relief
Queensland COVID19 Jobs Support Loans
Applications are now open for the Queensland Government’s $500 million COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan scheme. This
scheme is for Queensland businesses and non-profit organisations financially affected by COVID-19 to retain
employees and maintain their operations.
Low interest loans of up to $250,000 are available to assist with carry-on expenses such as employee wages, rent and
rates and other related expenditure. Eligible business types include sole traders, partnerships, private and public
companies and Trusts.
All COVID-19 Jobs Support Loans will be provided for a term of 10 years, with no repayments or interest charged for
the first year, followed by two years of interest only payments. Principal and interest repayments will commence after
the third year for the remainder of the loan term.
Loan features:
- $500 million loan scheme
- Maximum loan up to $250,000
- No repayments or interest charged for the first year
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association- Plus two years interest only
- 2.5% fixed interest rate
- 10-year term of loan
- Open until 25 September 2020 or until funding is fully committed.
APPLY HERE: http://www.qrida.qld.gov.au/current-programs/covid-19-business-support/queensland-covid19-jobs-
support-scheme
Market diversification and resilience grants
The MDRG program will benefit Queensland agriculture, food, forestry and fishing exporters and their critical supply
chain partners, as well as industry organisations working with exporters to build resilience by diversifying into new
markets (international or interstate).
The program has 2 components:
Equipment purchases
Projects.
Equipment purchases
Equipment purchase grants of up to $7,500 (excluding GST) are available to support new equipment purchases up to
a maximum cost of $10,000 (excluding GST).
Applicants must contribute 25% of the total cost of the new equipment. The MDRG program will provide the remaining
75% of total costs. For example, if the total equipment cost is $10,000 (excluding GST), the applicant will pay $2,500
and the MDRG program will pay $7,500 (excluding GST).
Examples of eligible equipment purchases include, but are not limited to:
- Freezers
- Refrigerators
- Vacuum packaging machines
- Storage equipment
- Filleting machines.
Read the equipment purchase grant terms and conditions and guidelines.
Download the equipment purchase grant application form.
Important dates
Applications for equipment purchase grants will be assessed on an ongoing basis from Thursday 12 March.
Successful applicants will be notified as soon as possible.
Projects
Project grants of up to $50,000 (excluding GST) will be available to support project activities including, but not limited
to:
- Market evaluation studies
- Market visits
- Staff training
- New equipment such as refrigeration
- Boat modifications necessary to meet market requirements.
Applicants must co-invest 50% of the total cost of their project activities or equipment purchases and should provide
evidence of their contributions both in-kind (e.g. reasonable salary costs for key personnel, freight costs) and cash.
Cash contributions must be at least 25% of total project costs.
Read the project grant terms and conditions and guidelines.
Download the project grant application form.
Important dates
Applications for project grants open Thursday 12 March and close Monday 20 April.
Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 1 May.
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery AssociationMore Information (How to Apply, Eligibility etc.): https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-
forestry/agriculture/agribusiness/market-diversification-resilience-grants
Supply Chain matching and support
The Queensland Government is committed to assisting Queensland manufacturers and businesses that are currently
impacted by the ongoing coronavirus situation. If you are finding it difficult to obtain vital materials and supplies to
remain open, support is available through the Manufacturers’ Supply Matching Request form.
Power bill relief
Your business may be eligible for a $500 rebate off energy bills (PDF, 153KB) if you consume less than 100,000kWh.
This will be automatically applied on your business electricity bills.
Main Websites
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery AssociationSOUTH AUSTRALIA
Borders
The SA State Government has taken unprecedented action in response to the coronavirus pandemic requiring all
people entering South Australia to isolate for 14-days from their arrival. This will apply immediately to South
Australians, other Australians and other travellers, and will be supported by border control and will become an
enforceable obligation from Tuesday 24 March at 4pm.
The measure, which was recommended by Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier, will include exemptions for
essential travel to maintain health, the food supply chain, and the State’s economic needs. The move will help delay
community transmission of the disease which is happening in other parts of Australia, in particular the eastern states.
While police will be present at checking points across the state, members of the public travelling into the state may
also be stopped by police patrols and enquiries made as to their movements and reason for travelling into the state
to ensure compliance with the direction.
The direction provides specific detail about the responsibilities of travellers and can be downloaded here:
https://www.police.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/879106/Cross-Border-Travel-Direction-2020.pdf
- Page 3 outlines the meaning of essential travellers
Exemptions
Exemptions will apply for essential transport including:
- National and state security and governance
- Health services
- Essential medical treatment
- Transport and freight services
- Skills critical to maintaining key industries or businesses
- Emergency Services workers
- Cross border community members
- Passing through (travellers will need to make their own enquiries about entry into their final state destination)
- Compassionate grounds
If you believe you are exempt?
South Australia unlike other restricted borders in the country do not have an Exemption Application Form. Therefore
the APPMA strongly suggests providing a letter from your company with the below information:
- Reason for interstate travel
- Origin & Destination
- Duration of time in Destination
- Signature & Printed Name of Director/CEO/MD/GM etc…
Stimulus packages
More Information surrounding South Australian stimulus packages can be found here:
https://www.treasury.sa.gov.au/Growing-South-Australia/stimulus-measures-to-support-businesses-and-the-
community-impacted-by-covid-19
Job Accelerator Grants
The Government is relaxing the existing Job Accelerator Grant (JAG) criteria requiring an employer to have maintained
their overall employment levels to be eligible for their second JAG payment. The Government understands that due
to the impact of COVID-19, some employers may not be able to meet this criteria.
Applications for the second JAG payment from 1 February to 30 June 2020 will be assessed on staffing levels as at 31
January 2020 rather than the relevant anniversary date.
More Information: https://www.revenuesa.sa.gov.au/grants-and-concessions/covid19-relief
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery AssociationPayroll Tax Relief
Six month payroll tax waiver – businesses with Australian grouped wages up to $4 million
Business groups with annual Australian grouped wages of up to $4 million will receive a six month payroll tax waiver.
Eligible business groups will not be required to pay any payroll tax for the months of April to September 2020 (for the
return periods of March 2020 to August 2020).
- Where businesses meet the criteria of Australian grouped wages below $4 million for 2018-19 no application
will be required – RevenueSA will notify these businesses through RevenueSA Online.
- Monthly payroll tax returns must still be lodged to capture wages for the month, with no payment to be made.
- Waiver of payroll tax for the six months will be finalised as part of the Annual Reconciliation process for 2019-
20 and 2020-21.
- An online application form will be made available for businesses that were not liable for payroll tax in 2018-
19.
- As the administrative arrangements are developed further information will be made available.
Six month payroll tax deferral – businesses with Australian grouped wages over $4 million
Businesses with annual Australian grouped wages above $4 million that can demonstrate they have been significantly
impacted by COVID 19 will, upon application, be able to defer payroll tax payments for the six months from April to
September 2020. For these eligible businesses, payroll tax payments that were due to be paid from April to September
will now be due in October 2020.
- An online application will be developed to apply for the payroll tax deferral.
- Monthly payroll tax returns must still be lodged to capture wages for the month, with payment deferred to
October 2020.
- Deferral of your payroll tax liability will be shown as part of the Annual Reconciliation processes.
- As the administrative arrangements are developed further information will be made available.
More Information: https://www.revenuesa.sa.gov.au/grants-and-concessions/covid19-relief
Land tax
Land tax deferral – 2019-20 third and fourth instalments
Businesses and individuals paying land tax quarterly in 2019-20 will be able to defer payment of their third and fourth
quarter instalments for up to six months. Businesses and individuals will be sent their land tax notices of assessment
as usual, with information provided on how the deferral will be administered.
- No application process will be required and there will be no requirement to contact RevenueSA to put this
new arrangement in place.
- The deferral does not relate to previous outstanding arrears.
Land tax reform transition fund
The previously announced land tax reform transitional relief fund available to eligible taxpayers whose land tax bill will
increase as a result of the changes in aggregation of land commencing from 1 July 2020 will be increased from 50% to
100% of the increase in an eligible taxpayer’s 2020-21 land tax assessment. This will be subject to the existing criteria.
See the land tax changes page for further information on criteria for the land tax transitional fund.
Main Websites
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery AssociationTASMANIA
Tasmanian Government Coronavirus Website: https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/
Borders
Every person arriving in Tasmania, including Tasmanian residents, (with the exception of Essential Travellers) are
required to enter a 14 day period of self-isolation in government provided accommodation on arrival in Tasmania. This
Tasmanian self-isolation requirement will be in addition to Australian Government requirements for all returning
international travellers and specified cruise passengers to enter self-isolation at their point of arrival into Australia.
An overview of Tasmanian Border Restrictions can be found here:
https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0033/86748/Tasmanian-Border-Restrictions.pdf
Tasmanian Arrivals Form
All interstate and international visitors to Tasmania must complete a Tasmanian Arrivals Form. This can be completed
online before arriving in Tasmania or upon arrival at terminals in Tasmania.
https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/Documents/Tasmanian%20Arrivals%20Form.pdf
Essential Traveller Status
Tasmanian Business Factsheet:
https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/Documents/Important%20information%20for%20Businesses.pdf
If you wish to apply for Essential Traveller status, you must complete an Application Form. If your application has not
been assessed and approved by the time you arrive in Tasmania, you must begin the mandatory 14 days of quarantine
(isolation) until your application has been approved.
Online Essential Traveller Application Form: https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-
tasmania/biosecurity/biosecurity-forms/application-for-classification-as-an-essential-traveller
If you require assistance to fill out and lodge the Tasmanian Arrivals Card and/or the Essential Traveller Status
Application Forms, call 1300 292 292. This number is open between 9am and 4.45 pm Monday to Friday.
For calls after hours, you can contact the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
Stimulus Packages
Additional information, which is updated regularly by the Tasmanian Government can be found here:
https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/stimulus-and-support
Government fees and charges
For businesses and jobs the Government will freeze, waive or cap fees and charges for small businesses, including:
- Water and electricity bills will be waived for the first quarterly bill received after 1 April this year for small
business customers on Tariff 22, 94, 82 or 75, including those small businesses on market contracts that
could access those tariffs.
- Electricity prices will be capped, and water prices will be frozen next financial year.
- The Government will freeze all fees and charges subject to the Government Fee Units Act 1997.
- The Government will also waive the roads component of motor tax and vehicle registration where that
business has been significantly impacted by measures taken to manage COVID-19.
- The Government will also waive land tax for 2020- 21 for commercial property owners financially impacted
by COVID-19, where the land tax is paid by the business owner.
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery AssociationPayroll tax relief
The Government will extend the previously announced Payroll tax waivers for the hospitality, tourism and seafood
sectors and for Tasmanian businesses with payrolls less than $5 million which have been impacted by coronavirus to
ensure that these businesses will pay no payroll taxes for the entire 2019-20 year. This measure will be delivered
through a combination of payroll tax refunds and waivers.
Additional funding to help our workforce
The Government will boost funding for the Rapid Response Skills Initiative with an additional $6.3 million. Through
this program, up to $3,000 will be available for individuals to gain skills or licences to help them into a new role.
Businesses that have immediate job needs and opportunities available, will be able to access a job-ready pool,
including to match people to our immediate priority skills needs, such as in health and food retail industries.
Local Government Loan Scheme
The Government has extended the Local Government Loan Scheme from $50 million to $150 million to encourage
local councils to upgrade local infrastructure and employ Tasmanians in the process.
Additional support for small businesses
For small businesses, the Government will also:
- Increase the Small Business Interest Free Loan Scheme from $20 million to $50 million, which is available for
businesses with turnovers of less than $10 million;
- Provide a new $40 million to the Small Business Grants Program with $20 million set aside for emergency
grant support and $20 million for larger grants payments;
- Provide a Digital Ready for Business Program will be boosted with $150,000 to assist businesses who want to
take their business online;
- Provide business continuity advice with $750,000 in funding made available for businesses to seek cash flow
and continuity advice. This includes a $50,000 grant to the Small Business Council of Tasmania;
- A further $200,000 will be provided to the THA to provide business continuity and cash flow advice,
increasing the funding for this initiative up to $250,000;
- A further $200,000 will be provided to Rural Business Tasmania for the extension of its Rural Financial
Counselling service; and
- Provide $100,000 to support our local Chamber of Commerce’s as they themselves assist businesses manage
COVID-19.
Grants & Loans
A summary of the grant and loans available to Tasmanian small businesses can be found here:
https://www.business.tas.gov.au/covid-19_business_support_packages
WorkSafe Tasmania
Tasmania’s Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (1988) provides that employers are required to pay
compensation to workers in certain circumstances. This includes where a worker has contracted a disease and his or
her employment contributed to this to a substantial degree. COVID-19 is considered to be a disease for the purposes
of the Act. The situation of each case would be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. The issue, as is the case with any
disease for which a worker claims an entitlement under the Act, is that of causation.
Infosheet:
https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/86764/Infosheet_-
_Workers_Compensation_in_Tasmania_and_Coronavirus.pdf
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery AssociationMain Websites
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery AssociationVICTORIA
Borders
Victoria have indicated they will not be restricting their borders.
Staying at Home
However, it is important to note that VIC have announced Stage 3 Restrictions surrounding the reasons why people
are allowed to leave their residence.
Under the Stage 3 restrictions, the new directions mean that what was previously advice about staying home is now
enforceable. These Stage 3 restrictions came into effect at 11:59pm Monday 30 March 2020. They will be in place for
4 weeks and reviewed as required.
As agreed by National Cabinet, gatherings are now restricted to no more than 2 people except for members of your
immediate household and for work or education. Playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms are now closed.
Victorians have also been made aware that there are only 4 reasons to be out:
- Shopping for what you need - food and essential supplies
- Medical, care or compassionate needs
- Exercise in compliance with the public gathering requirements
- Work and study if you can’t work or learn remotely
If people breach the above directions, they face on-the-spot fines of $1,652 for individuals and $9,913 for businesses.
Larger fines can also be issued through the courts.
Fines can also be issued to those who refuse or fail to comply with a direction by the Chief Health Officer to provide
information. This means persons or businesses could be fined on the spot:
- If they fail to self-isolate for 14 days after arriving at an airport in Victoria from a flight originating from
overseas, as set out in the Airport Arrivals Direction.
- If they organise or attend a mass gathering prohibited by the Prohibited Gatherings Direction.
- If they organise or attend a wedding that has present more than the two persons being married, the celebrant,
and two witnesses, or a funeral that has more than 10 persons, as prohibited by the Prohibited Gatherings
Direction.
- If they organise an auction for the sale of a residential property, as prohibited by the Non-Essential Activity
Direction.
FAQ’s about Victorian Stay at Home Restrictions: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-stay-home-and-
restricted-activities-directions-faq
Stimulus Packages
The Victorian Government has established an economic survival package to support Victorian businesses and workers
through the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The $1.7 billion Economic Survival Package complements
the work of the Federal Government. The package includes the following key programs.
FACT SHEET: https://www.business.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/1888997/Economic-Survival-Program-
Fact-Sheet.pdf
Business Support Fund
The Victorian Government has launched the $500 million Business Support Fund to support small businesses in the
sectors hit hardest by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic so they can survive and keep people in work. Eligible
businesses can apply for a one-off $10,000 grant which can be used towards costs such as utilities, rent and salaries,
and activities to support business continuity planning.
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery AssociationAPPLY HERE: https://www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/business-support-
fund
Fast tracking outstanding supplier invoices
The Government will pay all outstanding supplier invoices within five business days – releasing up to $750 million
into the economy earlier. The private sector is urged to do the same where possible.
Business Victoria Hotline
Businesses across the state can now access information on dealing with COVID-19 by calling the Business Victoria
hotline on 13 22 15.
Payroll tax waived
Businesses with annual Victorian taxable wages up to $3 million will have their payroll tax for the 2019-20 financial
year waived.
Eligible businesses must continue to lodge returns but do not need to make further payments for this financial year.
The State Revenue Office will directly contact eligible businesses in relation to reimbursement for payroll tax already
paid in the financial year.
These businesses can also defer paying payroll tax for the first quarter of the 2020-21 financial year.
More information about the administration of these relief measures will be sent directly to eligible businesses.
FAQ’s about Victoria’s Payroll Tax COVID-19 Response: https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/frequently-asked-questions-
response-covid-19
Main Websites
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Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery AssociationYou can also read
