Victorian government announces $1.7 billion relief plan
With the federal government doubling down on coronavirus Covid-19 economic stimulus efforts, states are also moving to aid business viability through the coming months.
The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) spotlights the Victorian Treasury’s announcement of a $1.7 billion package to provide relief to employers.
As part of the package, the Government will provide full payroll tax refunds for the 2019-20 financial year to small and medium-sized businesses with payroll of less than $3 million.
The same businesses will also be able to defer any payroll tax for the first three months of the 2020/21 financial year until January 1, 2021, freeing up a further $83 million in cashflow.
The Victorian government has also committed to paying all outstanding supplier invoices within five business days and has urged the private sector to do the same where possible.
Read how coronavirus started to hurt freight transport, here
“Working collaboratively as an industry will be essential and the Association can play an important role with linking members with government and other stakeholder resources,” VTA CEO Peter Anderson says.
“It has been encouraging to see the industry come together like never before to keep supply chains running as smoothly and efficiently as they possibly can, and I have no doubt this positive attitude and approach to work and helping our fellow Australians will continue over the weeks and months ahead.”
Anderson notes the VTA is fully staffed and assisting members and industry through unchartered times.
“I encourage members and industry to use the association wherever possible,” he says.
“We can provide fact-based advice on many fronts including industrial relations, human resources, sector guidance and individual support, and our focus is on helping members to minimise the disruption and upheaval the coronavirus has caused throughout our industry.”