The NSW Government has announced a major new grants package and changes to the Dine and Discover program to better support the tens of thousands of small businesses across the state of NSW impacted by current COVID-19 restrictions.
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Grants of between $5000 and $10000 will be awarded to small businesses, employers will be able to take advantage of payroll tax deferrals and the Dine and Discover program will be extended until the 31st of August, with vouchers now able to be used for ordering takeaway.
According to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, the small business support grants are the centerpiece of the plan as they will allow business owners to alleviate current cashflow restraints whilst trading is restricted.
This can be used for business expenses such as rent, utilities and wages, for which no other government support is available.
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"We always said we will do whatever it takes to support business and keep people in jobs during the pandemic and that is exactly what we are doing," Ms Berejiklian said.
"The current restrictions are in place to protect people and keep the community safe, unfortunately businesses continue to incur costs such as rent, power and lost produce, and this will go some way to lessening that financial pain."
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said that the grants would be available for sole traders and non for profit organisations, with expanded criteria to assist most hospitality and tourism operators hit hard by the restrictions during school holidays.
"The NSW economy rebounded strongly from the challenges of 2020 and we are taking action to ensure we keep that going" Mr Perrottet said.
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Member for Murray Helen Dalton has been urging her colleagues for a economic support package in recent weeks, said whilst this was a step in the right direction, the scheme was too 'city centric'.
"When a city is locked down for a week, state and federal governments turn on the taps, but we get much less love" Mrs Dalton said.
"Many businesses in the Murray are still waiting for long-term, ongoing assistance
Ad hoc payments won't cut it".
Mrs Dalton also suggests that the use of dine and discover vouchers be broadened, as many small towns don't have a place where they can use their entertainment vouchers.
"You need to be able to use vouchers at caravan parks and motels, which have been hurt really badly in this region".
Business owners will be able to apply for the grants through Service NSW from mid to late July and will need to prove a decline in turnover across a minimum two week period after the commencement of major restrictions on June 26.
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