Welcome back to our Weekly Digest. Read on for the latest updates and some ideas to help us all move forward.
After almost two years, vaccinated international tourists and business travelers began arriving in Australia with few restrictions. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said 1.2 million people had visas to enter Australia with 56 international flights due to touch down in the first 24 hours of the border reopening.
Six Australian health and medical researchers are set to receive a share of $22.9 million through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Partnership Project scheme to further ground-breaking research that will improve health and treatment outcomes for Australians.
More than 70% of Australian business leaders plan to hire international talent on a permanent basis in 2022 ad 61% plan to hire international talent on a contract basis to sustain their talent pipeline, according to research from Robert Half Australia.
Australians will need to receive booster shots to be considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19, although authorities said foreign travellers will continue to need only two shots to enter the country. If you haven’t received a booster within six months of your second dose, your vaccination status will be considered “overdue”.
The WA Government has launched a $77 million Safe Transition Industry Support Package to assist eligible businesses and individuals in sectors most affected by the decision to delay the full reopening of WA’s borders. It includes nine support programs for the international education, tourism, aviation and events sectors.
The New South Wales government has unveiled a $1 billion support package for small- and medium-sized businesses hit by the Omicron outbreak. The package will provide a payment of 20% of weekly payroll costs to businesses that can prove at least a 40% decline in turnover across January. Payments would range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $5,000 a week.
Individuals who hold any of the following concession cards can access up to 10 free rapid tests from pharmacies over the next three months:
If you fit the criteria, you need to visit your local pharmacy in person to get your free tests, or your carer or guardian can do it for you.
The South Australian government has announced the eligibility criteria for its Tourism, Hospitality and Gym Grant will be extended to include newer businesses that began operating after December 2020.
The payment will be:
The grant is automatically paid to businesses that have received a COVID-19 Tourism and Hospitality Support Grant or those that received an additional COVID-19 Business Support Grant. You can check for more available grants here.
People who are forced out of work to isolate due to being infected or being a close contact are eligible for the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment.
You are also eligible if you are caring for a child under 16 years old who is a close contact or infected, or someone with a disability or a severe medical condition who is a close contact of someone with COVID-19.
The payment was initially given in the form of a $750 lump sum payment for seven days. However, this changed slightly from 18 January into a tiered system. While it remains a lump sum payment, those who lose over 20 hours of work will receive the full $750, but if you lose between 8 and 20 hours, you will only receive $450.
A financial hardship test has also been introduced, which means anyone with $10,000 available and accessible to them will not get the payment.
You can find more information about Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment conditions specific to your state or territory here.
If your business is struggling, the ATO offers a wide range of support for those affected by the pandemic, natural disasters, mental health issues, or financial difficulties.
Learn more about the available support, and the small business debt helpline for free, independent advice.
Contact us if you have any questions or want to discuss the next steps for your business.
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