On 7 July 2020, the Victorian Government announced that Businesses within metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire that are affected by the return to Stay at Home restrictions may be eligible for a one-off $5,000 grant under the Business Support Fund - Expansion program. Applications for the program opened on 13 July 2020 and close on 19 August 2020.

The COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Act 2020 (the Act) came into operation on 24 April 2020.

On 1 May 2020, the Governor in Council made the COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) (Commercial Leases & Licences) Regulations 2020 (the Regulations). 

The Act and Regulations implement the leasing principles contained in the National Cabinet Mandatory Code of Conduct – SME Commercial Leasing Principles During COVID-19 (Code). In Victoria, it is the Act and the Regulations, rather than the Code, which now govern the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants in relation to the commercial leasing principles that are to apply to address the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

On 1 May 2020, the Victorian Government announced that they will be providing more support for Victorian businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic via expansion of its $500 million Business Support Fund. Find out more about these concessions.

The Victorian Government has announced additional payroll tax relief to support businesses and jobs. Find out more about these concessions.

In response to COVID-19, the states and territories have announced a range of land tax measures to help landowners manage some of the challenges COVID-19 has presented. Each state and territory has different eligibility requirements and relief concessions. Find out more about these concessions.

The ATO registered the Coronavirus Economic Response Package (Payments and Benefits) Alternative Decline in Turnover Test Rules 2020 on 23 April 2020. These Rules set out the alternative tests that can be used to determine if the decline in turnover test is satisfied for the purposes of the JobKeeper Payment.

On 9 April 2020, the JobKeeper legislation received Royal Assent and the Treasurer issued the Rules that govern eligibility for JobKeeper. This article sets out the operation of the JobKeeper scheme

The following is a broad summary of the key aspects of the proposed JobKeeper Payment, based on the Government’s Joint Media Release dated 30 March 2020 and the information that is currently available on the Treasury website at www.treasury.gov.au

The Victorian Government has established an economic survival package to support Victorian businesses and workers through the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On 12 March 2020, the Morrison Government announced a $17.6 billion economic stimulus package in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Find further full details in this article.