Member Update - 1 April 2020 from Shahana McKenzie, CEO, Bioenergy Australia
Published Wed 01 Apr 2020
Member Update 1 April 2020
Dear Members,
I hope you have kept safe, well and in good spirits (all things considered) over the past week.
I have to admit I have been overwhelmed (in a good way) with the true “connectedness” of the Bioenergy community through the many phone calls and video meetings I have had and the messages from members offering support and encouragement over this time.
We have been incredibly active over the last week supporting the Minister for Industry, Hon Karen Andrews and the Department of Industry regarding ethanol supply in Australia and the significant increase in demand for its use as the base product for hand sanitisers and a range of disinfectants. We have also been working hard on delivering a number of new webinars and progressing on our key actions as outlined in our previous email.
In light of the Prime Minister’s third economic support package announcement, I wanted to make sure you have quick access to information to support your decision making.
On Monday the Australian Federal Government delivered a historic wage subsidy to the value of $130 billion, impacting around 6 million workers. The payment will ensure eligible employers and employees stay connected while some businesses move into hibernation.
- This subsidy will see workers receive a flat payment of $1,500 per fortnight through their employer, before tax.
- The payment will be paid to employers, for up to six months, for each eligible employee that was on their books on 1 March 2020 and is retained or continues to be engaged by that employer.
- Where a business has stood down employees since 1 March, the payment will help them maintain connection with their employees.
- Eligible employers will be those with annual turnover of less than $1 billion who self-assess that have a reduction in revenue of 30% or more, since 1 March 2020 over a minimum one-month period.
- Eligible employers include businesses structured through companies, partnerships, trusts and sole traders. Not for profit entities, including charities, will also be eligible.
- The program will commence today, 30 March 2020, with the first payments to be received by eligible businesses in the first week of May as monthly arrears from the ATO.
To register your interest visit the ATO website here: https://www.ato.gov.au/general/gen/JobKeeper-payment/
To read more about Mondays announcement please click here: https://www.pm.gov.au/media/130-billion-jobkeeper-payment-keep-australians-job
Comprehensive fact sheets from Treasury can be found here: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/jobkeeper
We hope the recent announcements and support packages over the last week have been able to provide you with some certainty and parameters for decision making whilst we navigate these unchartered waters.
Take care and stay safe
Shahana McKenzie
Chief Executive
Bioenergy Australia
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