The Commonwealth and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Governments have worked together to expand the COVID-19 Business Support Grants with the extension of the ACT lockdown to 17 September.
Reflecting the extension of the lockdown, the one-off ACT COVID-19 Business Support Grants will be increased by $10,000 for employing businesses and $3,500 for non-employing businesses where those businesses' turnover has declined by 30 per cent or more as a result of the COVID-19 health restrictions.
Businesses must be able to demonstrate their primary operation in the ACT, have an annual turnover of more than $75,000, be registered for GST and have a total payroll of less than $10 million. They will also need to provide evidence of a 30 per cent reduction in their turnover.
The package will be split on a 50/50 basis between the Commonwealth and the ACT Governments, with the Territory government to administer the program.
This is a similar arrangement that has been in place for businesses in other jurisdictions impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns.
This increases the payments that were originally agreed under the COVID-19 Business Support Grants.
Anyone who has made an application does not need to make a new application – the new payments will be automatically applied if you are eligible. First payments are likely to be made in the coming days.
Businesses can find further information and apply for the grants on the ACT Government Business Hub website. This information is being updated through the day to account for the increased grant payment size.
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the Federal and ACT governments were working together to ensure individuals and businesses in the ACT continue to receive support during this challenging time.
“The Morrison Government understands the significant impact extended lockdowns have on individuals and businesses in the ACT,” the Treasurer said.
“That is why we have increased our economic assistance through expanded businesses support with the ACT Government and continuing the COVID-19 Disaster Payment for individuals.”
“The Morrison Government has provided over $66 million of support through the COVID-19 Disaster payment, to more than 50,000 individuals in the ACT who have been impacted by this latest lockdown.”
“This support builds on the more than $2 billion the Federal Government has delivered to households and businesses in the capital.”
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the expanded and increased COVID-19 Business Support Grants would help local businesses see through what is an incredibly difficult period.
“Our lockdown is working, but we are yet to see the public health risk reduce to the point that can safely end the lockdown. The COVID-19 Business Support Grant will help businesses suffering from significantly reduced turnover as a result of the necessary health restrictions to keep the transmission potential of COVID-19 below 1,” the Chief Minister said.
“The ACT Government continues to work constructively with the Commonwealth Government to ensure that we can keep people in jobs during this time.”
Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja said the expanded support was necessary to support Canberra businesses and jobs as a result of the lockdown extension.
“The Commonwealth has come to the table and is ensuring Canberra businesses can access the urgent support they need.”
“While the Commonwealth Government has stepped up to support Canberrans, I would continue to urge the ACT Government to support those sectors that can safely reopen by putting in place a clear plan to do so.”