Covid-19: Who gets what in rescue for workers, businesses

The federal government has announced a new support package for businesses and workers affected by the lockdown in Greater Sydney.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, left, Scott Morrison and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian have announced a major new business and income support package. Picture: Christian Gilles

The federal government has announced a new support package for businesses and workers affected by the lockdown in Greater Sydney.

Eligible individuals living and working in a commonwealth-­designated hotspot who had lost under 20 hours of work as a result of restrictions were already ­eligible for a $325 payment starting in the second week of the lockdown, while those who had lost more hours could receive $500.

But from week four – effectively from this Friday – those payments will rise to $375 and $600 a week, and extend for as long as the lockdown lasts, with no need to reapply for each extra week.

Recognising that restrictions in the capital have an impact on other parts of the state, the package from week four will also allow all affected NSW residents to claim the disaster payment, with this extra cost to be met by the NSW government.

This support will be offered to any other state or territory that experiences an extended lockdown over coming months.

The second major announcement is a new business support payment modelled on last year’s business cash flow boost measure, which will kick in from week four of the lockdown and be open-ended.

Under the new scheme, eligible NSW businesses and not-for-profits that can show a 30 per cent drop in revenue as a result of the restrictions will receive weekly payments of between $1500 and $10,000, based on the level of their payroll.

Eligible sole traders who have suffered a 30 per cent loss of revenue will get $1000.

Crucially, firms which access this payment are required to maintain full-time, part-time and long-term casual staffing at current levels.

The cost of the business payments will be shared equally between the federal and NSW state governments.

The NSW government has also announced extra support measures, including extending its business grants program to give eligible firms struggling with mandated health measures between $7500 and $15,000 to help cover the first three weeks of restrictions.

“Micro” businesses with a turnover of between $30,000 and $75,000 that experience a decline in turnover of 30 per cent will now be eligible for a $1500 payment per fortnight of restrictions.

NSW will give payroll tax waivers of 25 per cent for similarly impacted businesses whose wages are between $1.2m and $10m.

There will also be an additional $5.1m in NSW funding to support mental health, and a $75m package for the performing arts sector.