Welcome back to our Weekly Digest. Read on for the latest updates and some ideas to help us all move forward.

Vaccine Passports for International Travel

The government has taken a major step towards establishing a vaccine passport for international travel. Last week, it was announced that the system that will enable recognition of vaccine status should be ready in a number of weeks. According to the tourism minister, Dan Tehan, it will allow Australians to use MyGov to upload proof of vaccination to a QR code linked to their passport.

Canberra Lockdown Extended Until 15 October

Canberra will remain locked down for a second month until 15 October, after recording new COVID-19 infections.

Part of Regional Victoria Back Into Lockdown

The city of Greater Ballarat will be sent back into lockdown from 11.59pm on 15 September due to the increase in COVID-19 cases. The lockdown will remain in place for seven days. Meanwhile, those living in the 12 Sydney LGAs of concern have been rewarded with a slight easing of restrictions.

Super Weekend for Vaccinations in Queensland

The QLD government has announced a “super weekend” for vaccinations this coming weekend, wherein all community hubs will be open and walk-ins are welcome.

COVID-19 Government Support By State and Industry

Small businesses that are currently suffering from lockdowns can get financial assistance to help them get through the pandemic. You can find the latest government support schemes for each state or territory here.

The impacts of the COVID-19 restrictions vary from one industry to another. Here you’ll find the latest government financial assistance available for particular industries.

All Australian hotspots: COVID-19 Disaster Payment for recognised lockdowns

This Federal Government support is lump sum payment for workers who cannot earn income because of a state public health order. You can check your eligibility here.

NSW Grants

The NSW Government will be offering financial support to businesses or not-for-profit organisations impacted by the recent COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home orders.

NSW: Micro-business grant

The micro-business grant is a $1500 fortnightly payment for businesses with a turnover between $30,000 and $75,000.

To check your eligibility and apply, visit the Service NSW website.

COVID-19 Business Grant

A one-off payment to help businesses, sole traders or not-for-profit organisations impacted by the current Greater Sydney COVID-19 restrictions.

Grants between $7,500 and $15,000 are available to eligible businesses depending on the decline in turnover experienced during the restrictions. For eligibility criteria and to apply, visit the Service NSW website.

ATO support for those affected by COVID-19 restrictions or disasters

The ATO has a range of support options to help those affected by disasters or those experiencing challenges due to continuing COVID-19 restrictions.

The ATO may be able to:

• prioritise any refunds owed to you
• set up a payment plan tailored to your individual situation
• remit penalties or interest charged during the time you have been affected.

If you need help to manage your tax or superannuation obligations, please get in touch with us.

Your home loan, fix it or not to fix it

With the official interest rate in its historical low level, many people are wondering whether to fix their home loans or not. Yes, it is true you could fix your entire loan and save some money. But is it really a good idea for everyone to so? In some cases, people would be much better off to have their loan on variable rate or perhaps split it into fix and variable rates. The question is how much of the loan should be fix and how much should be variable. It is very important to structure your loan in a way that it is in line with your family and financial circumstances to get a better outcome.

What rates are you on and how has your home loan been structured?

Get in touch if you are thinking of buying a property or perhaps you would like us to have a look at your existing loans. We’re here to help.

Quote of the week

“The Challenge Of The Unknown Future Is So Much More Exciting Than The Stories Of The Accomplished Past.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Simon Sinek

Get in touch

Contact us if you have any questions or want to discuss the next steps for your business. 

Have a nice weekend.