Allied Health

You can only provide JobKeeper payments to those employed through the payroll and one business owner who is not on the payroll. Contractors are running their own businesses and need to apply in their own right as sole traders for JobKeeper support

The projection was accurate at the time of lodging and was therefore correct upon application. Over the coming weeks, restrictions will undoubtedly continue to change, so it would not be expected that your projection be updated each time. Keep in mind, you only need to satisfy the turnover test once; you do not need to reapply every month. Importantly, however, if you are relying on projections rather than actuals you need to ensure however that projections are justified with reasonable assumptions which are documented and retained as these will need to be provided to the ATO on subsequent audit.

There are no grouping provisions from our review of the Bills and Explanatory Memorandum.  Again however, there are anti-avoidance provisions designed to prevent the artificial obtaining of increased or additional boost payments.

It is up to the landlord and tenant to determine how the code is implemented having regard to their lease agreement.

The arrangements will be overseen by a binding mediation process administered by the States and Territories.

Banks are also being implored to “come to the table” and provide support for landlords.

More details will be known once the code of conduct is released.

No – there is no legal entitlement to be paid annual leave during a true stand down. It is at the discretion of the employer if they are willing and able to allow employees to access accrued annual leave entitlements during a stand down. It is important to keep in mind that any agreement to do so should be recorded in writing.

At a high level, the mandatory code of conduct will provide tenants a waiver or deferral on their rent where the tenant:

• Has a turnover of $50M or less; and
• Is entitled to participate in the JobKeeper Payment programme.

Each bank has a different eligibility criteria to access this support. Generally, this will apply to Small and Medium Enterprises with total lending limits up to $3m, less than $10m turnover and less than 100 employees. We suggest that  you support any request with an explanation as to how your business has been impacted by the COVID—19 pandemic, explaining what costs you have managed to contain or remove and, if possible, assess the impact that the pandemic is likely to have on your revenue and cash flow. If you can provide a 3 - 6 month forecast to support your request this would be very helpful and may speed up the process. If you are a current client of Perks, no matter what services you currently use, we can work with your bank on your behalf.

As the banks grapple with the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals and businesses we are seeing high wait periods with all the banks. The principle focus for banks at this point in time is assisting their customers who are impacted. Loan applications already ‘in the system’ (both residential and business) are being delayed. We continue to work very closely with the banks for all our clients. If you want us to take a look at your loan, you can expect the initial review and feedback from the Perks Finance team to take up to 5 business days.

To qualify for Accelerated Depreciation, the asset has to be purchased and installed by 30 June 2021.

Not legally. It is up to the employer to decide whether it wishes to access JobKeeper for eligible employees. It is important to bear in mind that the key principle behind the scheme is:

1. To allow employees to access payment outside of Centrelink; and,
2. To allow employers and employees to remain connected, so that businesses can get up and running again quickly when the crisis has passed, without having to re-hire staff.

So whilst there is no legal obligation, there are some excellent benefits for both employers and employees which should be taken into consideration.

Coronavirus Assistance Available

To view your bank's response measures to COVID-19, click on their logo

Information for employers

COVID-19 and the workplace:

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-employers

 

Fairwork basics

Covers off general workplace COVID-19 questions such as:

• • can staff go to work?
  • what should I tell my staff?
  • what precautions should I take when cleaning?
  • can food and water spread coronavirus?
  • how can we help prevent the spread of coronavirus?
  • more information?

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media-releases/website-news/coronavirus-and-australian-workplace-laws

 

Business information essentials

Government site regarding available Support and Assistance for Businesses:

https://www.business.gov.au/Risk-management/Emergency-management/Coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business

 

ATO Newsroom for Small Businesses

https://www.ato.gov.au/Newsroom/smallbusiness/General/COVID-19--information-for-small-businesses/

 

State Support for Businesses

Australian Capital Territory

https://apps.treasury.act.gov.au/budget/covid-19-economic-survival-package

  New South Wales

https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/news-media-releases/covid-19-tax-relief-measures

  Northern Territory

https://business.nt.gov.au/recovery/small-business-survival-fund

  Queensland

https://www.business.qld.gov.au/home

  South Australia

https://business.sa.gov.au/COVID-19-business-information-and-support

  Tasmania

https://www.sro.tas.gov.au/Documents/Coronavirus%20business%20stimulus%20package%20factsheet%20-%20State%20Revenue%20Office.pdf

  Victoria

https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

  Western Australia

https://www.wa.gov.au/government/multi-step-guides/payroll-tax-employer-guide/covid-19-relief-payroll-tax-employer-guide

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employer Toolkit Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Our HR Consultancy, Perks People Solutions, has developed an easy to use Employer’s Handbook, which addresses the most common concerns and considerations for Australian workplaces during the COVID-19 crisis. Read more here

Download a customisable Work From Home policy template here.

Personal Mental Health Resources

• • https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
  • https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/
  • https://www.lifeline.org.au/
  • https://headtohealth.gov.au/

 

Healthy Workplace Support

• • https://www.headsup.org.au/
  • https://mhfa.com.au/
  • http://www.conversationsmatter.com.au/

 

General Community Wellbeing

A selection of resources to help parents & carers to communicate and support child mental health. Specific resources for COVID-19 communications with children are also available here:

https://emergingminds.com.au/

Australian Resources

National Coronavirus Helpline

Call this line if you are seeking information on coronavirus (COVID-19). The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Australian health advice:

Website for free general Australian health advice. Includes easy to understand facts and procedures: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/coronavirus

• • COVID-19 Symptom Checker (determine whether you should seek further medical advice/ hospital): https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker/tool

 

National status, government response alerts and media releases:  https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

• • Fact sheets on COVID-19: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-resources
  • COVID-19 and the workplace: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-employers
  • FAQs: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions

  Australian travel restrictions:

Comprehensive advisory including definitions of who can enter Australia, applications for exemptions, media alerts: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/current-alerts/novel-coronavirus

 

General travel related updates and information: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/COVID-19-australian-travellers

 

State Health Advisory

For up-to-date information regarding reported cases, investigations & measures per State.

Australian Capital Territory

https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/

  New South Wales

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/covid-19-latest.aspx

  Northern Territory

https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/

  Queensland

https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/current-status-and-contact-tracing-alerts

  South Australia

https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/health+topics/health+topics+a+-+z/covid+2019/latest+updates/latest+updates+-+covid-19

  Northern Territory 

https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/

 

New Zealand Resources

New Zealand health advice:

https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus

  New Zealand travel restrictions:

https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/news/novel-coronavirus-china-covid-19

 

Global Resources

WHO (World Health Organization):

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public