NT coronavirus economic stimulus package: Who gets a share of $65m deal and how to get it

THE NT Government has set aside a $65 million stimulus package to protect Territorians from the deep economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic

The NT Government will release details of its $60 million stimulus package later today

THE Gunner Government has set aside a $65 million stimulus package to protect Territorians from the deep economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

The NT News can reveal the package will include an expanded Home Improvement Scheme, where all Territory homeowners will receive $6000 to undertake renovations and improvements to their property by a local business or tradie.

People will need to put in $2000 to receive the additional $6000 or alternatively they can put in $1000 and receive $4000.

The scheme aims to encourage a huge injection of cash into the Territory economy, supporting tradies and other small business owners working in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, fencing etc.

The stimulus package will also give eligible businesses $10,000 for upgrades as a part of a new Business Improvement Scheme aimed at helping businesses attract more customers.

If a business also wants to contribute its own $10,000, the government will pitch in an additional $10,000 for a total of $30,000.

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These improvements could include things like buying new equipment or new shop fit-outs but all upgrades and purchases must be made from another Territory business.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner is expected to reveal more details about the stimulus package, which is also known as the Jobs Rescue and Recovery Plan, later today.

“I will do whatever it takes to save jobs and protect Territorians from the impacts of the coronavirus,” he told the NT News.

“This is literally about jobs, not cuts. This is about saving people’s jobs.

“We know we can’t completely stop the virus and we can’t completely stop the economic hit that’s coming, but we can make sure we’re still standing at the end.”

This is the NT’s second stimulus package after the government announced $2 million to help the tourism sector weather the effects of coronavirus in early February.

A spokeswoman from the Chief Minister’s office said they would not rule out acting again to provide more support if it was needed.

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It comes as the NT has stopped non-essential travel to remote communities to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Katherine Mayor Fay Miller said the measures don’t go far enough and has called for the NT border to be closed.