Australian Government updates support packages from September 2020 onwards

The Australian Government’s JobKeeper support package has been extended to March 28 2021, with a few catches, while the Apprentice Wage Subsidy has been extended and broadened to include medium-sized businesses with up to 199 employees.

JobKeeper eligibility tests requiring businesses to demonstrate ongoing impacts to their turnover will continue each quarter and the payouts will be smaller.

After September, the flat-rate JobKeeper payment will be reduced from $1500 to $1200 per fortnight and a lower payment of $750 a fortnight will be introduced for those working less than 20 hours a week.

From January 4 next year to March 28, these figures will be further downgraded to $1000 a fortnight for those working more than 20 hours a week and $650 for those working less than 20 hours a week.

Meanwhile, the Apprentice Wage Subsidy has been extended to March 31, 2021 and the eligibility criteria broadened to include medium-sized businesses under the JobTrainer banner.

Eligible small (up to 20 employees) and medium-sized (up to 199 employees) businesses can now apply for a 50% subsidy of apprentice or trainee wage. Medium-sized businesses can apply for wages paid from 1 July 2020.

In addition, if your business re-engages eligible apprentices who were retrenched by another eligible small or medium business, you may also qualify for these subsidies.

Support for businesses impacted by Victorian lockdown 2.0

Businesses directly affected by the second lockdown in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire may be eligible for a one-off $5,000 grant from the Victorian Government.

In addition to being located in one of the 31 lockdown areas, to be eligible businesses must already be a WorkSafe-registered employer enrolled in JobKeeper with an annual payroll of less than $3 million in the 2019-20 financial year.

Businesses must also have an Australian ABN, registered for GST and registered with the responsible state or federal regulator in order to qualify.

Visit VASA’s full COVID-19 advice and support page