Scott Morrison unveils additional stimulus and support measures

Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has announced an additional stimulus package, taking the value of the total support to $189 billion.

Acknowledging that the coronavirus pandemic may continue for some time and have long lasting impact on the livelihoods of Australians, the PM announced a raft if new support measures.

Details of the new package:

Support for businesses - eligible businesses and not-for-profits, with a turnover of under $50 millions and who are employers, will receive up to $100,000 (with a minimum of $20,000). This is an extension to the 'boosting cashflow for employers measure' which aims to keep employees in work.  Employers will receive a tax free payment equal to 100% of wages or salary withheld (increased from 50%).  This will be available from April 28th.

Temporary relief for financially distressed businesses - the Government has already announced that they are raising the threshold to $150,000 (from $30,000) - and making more businesses eligible to use it up to a turnover of $500 million.

Increasing the instant asset write-off - by accelerating depreciation deductions.

Supporting apprentices and trainees - through wage assistance to help small businesses.

Coronavirus SME guarantee scheme - a loan guarantee arrangement between the Government and participating banks to assist with the immediate cash flow needs of small businesses.

Increasing the benefit - the Government is temporarily expanding eligibility to income support payments with a new, time-limited coronavirus supplement of $550 per fortnight.  The payment will go to existing and new recipients of the JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance jobseeker, Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit for the next six months.

Early access to superannuation - eligible individuals and sole traders will be able to access up to $10,000 in 2019-20, and a further $10,000 in 2020-21.  Withdrawals will be tax-free.  Applications are through the MyGov site online by July 1.  There will also be a temporary reduction of minimum super drawdown rates.

Support for airlines and airports - up to $715 million relief from  range of taxes and Government charges.

For more on the new package, the Treasury has fact sheets on each measure at https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus

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