COVID-19
Economics
Queensland Government unveils further COVID 19 support with $4b package
Freya Lucas
Mar 25, 2020
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The Queensland Government will invest an additional $4 billion in measures to support Queenslanders’ health, their jobs and businesses, Premier Anna Palaszczuk announced yesterday, terming the measures “an unprecedented response to an unprecedented crisis”.
To date, the package is the biggest single relief package assembled by any state or territory, Ms Palaszczuk said, adding “our society will go through the most difficult period most of us have ever experienced, but I am determined my Government will support Queenslanders through it.”As well as a $300 million household relief package, the package delivers an additional $2.5 billion into protecting Queensland jobs and businesses.
“For small and medium businesses and large businesses specifically impacted by COVID-19, we will refund two months’ worth of payroll tax.
“Additionally, we’re giving small and medium businesses a three-month payroll tax holiday, and a further six-month payroll tax deferral for any of these Queensland businesses.
“Combined with the payroll tax deferrals we’ve already announced, it means no Queensland business impacted by COVID-19 will need to make a payroll tax payment this year,” Queensland Treasurer Jackie Trad said.
“That $2.5 billion includes a package of up to $500 million to assist workers who lose their job or income and to help them find jobs in the industries that are vital to getting us through this crisis – health care, agriculture, food production, transport, cleaning and mining,” she added.
Rent relief for businesses who rent premises from the state government is available under the package, which will also give sole traders, small and medium businesses a $500 rebate on their power bill for this year.
Queensland Minister for Employment and Small Business, Shannon Fentiman, said the stimulus package is in addition to recently announced initiatives, including the dedicated small business hotline (1300 654 687) which has seen around 2000 business contacts so far.
“We know our businesses are doing it incredibly tough right now. This package is designed to support them to keep their doors open through this crisis and keep their staff employed,” Ms Fentiman added.
“On top of our earlier measures including $500 million in concessional loans and our initial coronavirus assistance package last month, this takes our support package for Queensland workers and businesses to more than $3 billion,” she said.
“We will keep talking to businesses and unions and continue to work with the Federal Government to see what further measures can be taken to protect the jobs of Queenslanders.”
Along with the support package, an online portal for businesses to apply for payroll tax relief was launched. Further information and applications for other measures will be made available there in coming days.
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