--- title: COVID-19 Updates description: RDA Orana supporting our regions businesses to navigate the resources and support available through the COVID-19 pandemic. --- [![Resional Development](https://landing.rdaorana.org.au/hubfs/RDAOrana_April2019%20Theme/Images/8RDA-Logo-e1546569247926-800x382.png)](https://www.rdaorana.org.au) COVID-19 Updates ## Latest Government Initiatives  ## Need help navigating the support available? Not to worry, we have you covered! RDA Orana compiles our debrief to sift and sort just for you and bring you the latest information on support and training and the links to take you directly to the information you need.  The list below will be updated regularly, but to make sure you get the latest, sign up to our COVID-19 Daily Debrief direct to your inbox. Simply register on this page. ![australiangov](https://landing.rdaorana.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/australiangov.png?width=195&height=195&name=australiangov.png "australiangov") **Business Support** Fair Work & Modern Award Changes - [Australian Business Lawyers and Advisors Guide for business](https://www.ablawyers.com.au/ABLA/media/Documents/ABLA-COVID-19-FWA-Amendments-and-JobKeeper.pdf) Types of business entities (specific) - [Sole Traders](https://business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/support-for-sole-traders) - [Employers](https://business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/support-available-for-employers) - [Companies](https://business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/support-available-for-companies) Export - [Austrade](https://www.austrade.gov.au/Australian/Export/Export-Grants) - [Export Market Development Grants (EMDG)](https://www.austrade.gov.au/Australian/Export/Export-Grants) - [Export Clearance for some industries](https://e.austrade.gov.au/re?l=D0Is4ge1qI7uihqmaI6ITk8i1w9z3&s=NMMLMGDMAOFALPHK) - [Freight](https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/mccormack/media-release/securing-freight-access-australia-agricultural-and-fisheries-exporters) - [METS Sector](https://metsignited.org/covid-19-support-and-resources-for-the-australian-mets-sector/) Employees - [For employees who have been stood down or made redundant](https://joboutlook.gov.au/skills-match.aspx) - [Jobs Hub](https://www.dese.gov.au/covid-19/jobs-hub) Agriculture - [Export](https://e.austrade.gov.au/re?l=D0Is4ge1qI7uihqmaI6ITk8i1w9z3&s=NMMLMGDMAOFALPHK) - [Freight Access](https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/mccormack/media-release/securing-freight-access-australia-agricultural-and-fisheries-exporters) - [Temporary Visa Workers](https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/davidcoleman/Pages/supporting-agriculture-workforce-covid-19.aspx) Manufacturing - [Industry Capability Network - Supply Chain](https://gateway.icn.org.au/project/4531/covid-19-response?utm_campaign=Agribusiness+%26+Food+News+-+April+2020+-+Group+B&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Food+and+Agribusiness+News+%28update+241017%29) - [Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC)](https://www.amgc.org.au/news/amgc-response-to-covid-19/) Indigenous Business - [Indigenous Business Australia (IBA)](https://www.iba.gov.au/indigenous-business-australia-covid19-support/) Tenancies - [More information on the Manadatory Code](https://www.business.gov.au/Risk-management/Emergency-management/Coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/Relief-for-commercial-tenancies) - [The Mandatory Code](https://www.pm.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/national-cabinet-mandatory-code-ofconduct-sme-commercial-leasing-principles.pdf) Rebates - Energy & Utilities - [Hardship provisions](http://business.gov.au) Aviation - [COVID-19 Regional Airline Network Support Program](https://www.grants.gov.au/?event=public.GO.show&GOUUID=760EC61B-D358-72D7-4BD2771AEF5C601C) - [COVID-19 Regional Airlines Funding Assistance](https://www.grants.gov.au/?event=public.GO.show&GOUUID=6A82C435-E9E9-E6C5-4984945FF53D0391) - [Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure - Aviation](https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/index.aspx#aviation) Tourism - [Industry Support information](https://www.tourism.australia.com/en/events-and-tools/industry-resources/resources-for-industry/government-support-and-assistance-for-tourism-industry.html) ![NSW-Gov-Logo](https://landing.rdaorana.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/NSW-Gov-Logo.png?width=181&height=195&name=NSW-Gov-Logo.png "NSW-Gov-Logo") ## Business Support Education & Training - [TAFE NSW free courses](https://www.tafensw.edu.au/fee-free-short-courses) $1 Billion Working for NSW Fund - [More information](https://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19) Small Business - [$10,000.00 grants for small business](https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/covid-19-help-small-businesses/grants-loans-and-financial-assistance) Become and emergency supplier - [More info and how to register](https://tenders.nsw.gov.au/?event=public.scheme.show&RFTUUID=DE449E37-03D9-9555-E68A9DE1EBD8689A) Department of Planning Industry & Environment FREE Energy Management - [Free energy check up for your business](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/free-energy-management-advice-registration-101016836076) Tourism - [Destination NSW Information](https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/news-and-media/covid-19)   ## Australian Fair Work Ombudsman There have recently been some changes to workplace laws to support employees and employers during the coronavirus pandemic. ## JobKeeper scheme The Fair Work Act has been amended to support the implementation and operation of the JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme (JobKeeper scheme) in Australian workplaces. These changes are temporary and will end on 28 September 2020. The JobKeeper scheme helps employers significantly affected by coronavirus to keep paying their employees, by providing a subsidy administered by the Australian Tax Office. The changes also give eligible employers the ability to give certain directions to and make agreements with their eligible employees to help manage their business. Find out details about the [JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme](http://www.fairwork.gov.au/fwo/webservices/click.ashx?g=63e984f6-aaa8-4f28-8a80-30382086cccc&mid=510&ci=549&url=https://coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au/coronavirus-and-australian-workplace-laws/pay-and-leave-during-coronavirus/jobkeeper-wage-subsidy-scheme), including how it affects and interacts with [Pay](http://www.fairwork.gov.au/fwo/webservices/click.ashx?g=63e984f6-aaa8-4f28-8a80-30382086cccc&mid=510&ci=549&url=https://coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au/coronavirus-and-australian-workplace-laws/pay-and-leave-during-coronavirus/jobkeeper-wage-subsidy-scheme/pay-and-the-jobkeeper-scheme) and [Leave](http://www.fairwork.gov.au/fwo/webservices/click.ashx?g=63e984f6-aaa8-4f28-8a80-30382086cccc&mid=510&ci=549&url=https://coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au/coronavirus-and-australian-workplace-laws/pay-and-leave-during-coronavirus/jobkeeper-wage-subsidy-scheme/leave-the-jobkeeper-scheme) entitlements. ## Unpaid pandemic leave & annual leave changes to awards The Fair Work Commission has added a temporary new schedule into 99 awards to provide greater flexibility during the coronavirus pandemic. The temporary schedule gives employees: - 2 weeks of unpaid pandemic leave - the ability to take twice as much annual leave at half their normal pay if their employer agrees. The schedule applies from an employee’s first full pay period on or after 8 April 2020 until 30 June 2020. Find out more at [Unpaid pandemic leave & annual leave changes to awards](http://www.fairwork.gov.au/fwo/webservices/click.ashx?g=63e984f6-aaa8-4f28-8a80-30382086cccc&mid=510&ci=549&url=https://coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au/coronavirus-and-australian-workplace-laws/temporary-changes-to-workplace-laws-during-coronavirus/unpaid-pandemic-leave-annual-leave-changes-in-awards). The Fair Work Commission has also made other temporary changes to some awards to provide more flexibility during the coronavirus outbreak – see [Temporary changes to workplace laws during coronavirus](http://www.fairwork.gov.au/fwo/webservices/click.ashx?g=63e984f6-aaa8-4f28-8a80-30382086cccc&mid=510&ci=549&url=https://coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au/coronavirus-and-australian-workplace-laws/temporary-changes-to-workplace-laws-during-coronavirus). ## Annual Wage Review The Fair Work Commission is in the process of carrying out its annual review of minimum wages. A decision is expected sometime in June. You can follow the process on the [Fair Work Commission’s website](http://www.fairwork.gov.au/fwo/webservices/click.ashx?g=63e984f6-aaa8-4f28-8a80-30382086cccc&mid=510&ci=549&url=https://www.fwc.gov.au/awards-agreements/minimum-wages-conditions/annual-wage-reviews/annual-wage-review-2019-20) ## Helpful resources - Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws If your workplace is impacted by coronavirus, they have information about your workplace rights and obligations. This includes information about: - stand downs and reducing hours or changing location of work, including working from home - pay and leave entitlements, including if someone is sick with COVID-19 - entitlements if an employee is stuck overseas or is required to be quarantined or self-isolate - ending employment and redundancy entitlements. For more information, see [Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws](http://www.fairwork.gov.au/fwo/webservices/click.ashx?g=63e984f6-aaa8-4f28-8a80-30382086cccc&mid=510&ci=549&url=https://coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au/). ## Apprentice & Trainee Support The Australian Government has contributed $1.3 Billion to supporting small business to keep and support trainees and apprentices affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. More information can be found [here.](https://landing.rdaorana.org.au/hubfs/QA_Supporting_Apprentices_and_Trainees_18032020.pdf?hsLang=en-au) ## Department of Primary Industries There is a DPI Liaison Team available to assist you in navigating throughout this pandemic. Visit their portal for specific updates [here](https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/home/covid-19) Or you can contact the liaison team directly via email [covidinfo@dpi.nsw.gov.au](mailto:covidinfo@dpi.nsw.gov.au) They have lots of resources specifically designed for primary industry.   ## Export Update! The Australian Government is pleased to announce that they are one step closer to helping rebuild critical global supply chains for Australia’s agricultural and fisheries exporters. Six Freight Forwarders and nine air freight service [providers were appointed](https://www.trademinister.gov.au/minister/simon-birmingham/media-release/new-air-freight-network-boost-agricultural-and-fisheries-exports?utm_campaign=IFAM+%E2%80%93+Approach+to+Market+Announcement+-+230420&utm_medium=email&utm_source=IFAM+%E2%80%93+Approach+to+Market+Announcement+-+230420) to provide freight services on key export routes under the International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM). The aim of the Mechanism is to reduce the impacts of COVID-19 on the Australian agricultural and fisheries sectors. To this end, the government will meet a portion of the airfreight costs – reducing costs for exporters and ensuring they can get their produce on flights and to international customers quickly. The Mechanism intends to use a range of approaches including charter services and block purchases of capacity. To find out more about the mechanism, head to the [website](https://www.austrade.gov.au/News/News/international-freight-assistance-mechanism?utm_campaign=IFAM+%E2%80%93+Approach+to+Market+Announcement+-+230420&utm_medium=email&utm_source=IFAM+%E2%80%93+Approach+to+Market+Announcement+-+230420). ## Please register your interest by completing and submitting the form available at **[haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/international-freight-assistance](https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/international-freight-assistance?utm_campaign=IFAM+%E2%80%93+Approach+to+Market+Announcement+-+230420&utm_medium=email&utm_source=IFAM+%E2%80%93+Approach+to+Market+Announcement+-+230420)**.  **IMPORTANT: If you have already submitted an EOI before 16 April 2020, please note that you will need to resubmit the form with additional information.** This additional information will inform which air freight routes are prioritised by the IFAM. **Temporary changes to importing country requirements** Austrade's trading partners may want extra assurances for food and agricultural products as a result of the rapid and global spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Temporary requirements may be requested by importing country competent authorities and could include requests for additional assurances on export certificates and statements or evidence that products are not contaminated and are safe for human consumption. Check the [Manual of Importing Country Requirements](https://micor.agriculture.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx) (MICoR) for any updates [https://micor.agriculture.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx](https://micor.agriculture.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx) ## Export Finance Export Finance Australia is available for support and finance solutions for Australian exporters. Check out how they may be able to assist your business [here.](https://www.exportfinance.gov.au/covid19?utm_source=BusinessGov&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=COVID-19)   ## Journalism Support Applications are open for a four-week period, closing on 22 May 2020, for the Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund 2020 Round. Funding of $5 million is available which has been fast tracked by the Australian Government to assist regional news publishers with the significant challenges being faced during the COVID-19 crisis. [Find out more here.](https://www.acma.gov.au/regional-and-small-publishers-innovation-fund)   ## Banking Hotlines ## The Prime Minister and Treasurer have reaffirmed the Government’s expectation that the banks help assist businesses to secure finance to participate in the $130 billion JobKeeper program. Key actions and principles which the banks have agreed to implementing as a priority are: · Setting up dedicated hotlines for customers to call for assistance in securing bridging finance. · Expediting the processing of bridging finance applications from affected businesses. > For your reference, the banks have set up hotlines as follows:   > > ·        ANZ: 1800 571 123 > > ·        Bank of Melbourne: 1300 784 873           > > ·        Bank SA: 1300 669 472 > > ·        CommBank: 13 26 07 > > ·        NAB: 1800 JOBKEEPER (1800 562 533) > > ·        St George: 1300 730 196 > > ·        Westpac: 1300 731 073 ## NSW Department of Planning, Industry & Environment DPIE has some useful resources available for you and your energy usage. [Energy Management Training](https://energysaver.nsw.gov.au/business/courses-coaching/energy-management-courses) They have introduced a new free online learning platform to up-skill your employees to help your business save money on energy. There are resources available too and you can connect with technical experts to help you implement projects. [Business Energy Coaching](https://energysaver.nsw.gov.au/business/courses-coaching/business-energy-coaching) Get a one on one enregy check up with an energy coach to help you identify large energy usage equipment in your workplace. They can show you ways to cut costs and emissions. It's a free service with an aim to save you money. [Compressed Air or Steam Systems - Manufacturing Efficiency Funding](https://energysaver.nsw.gov.au/business/discounts-and-incentives/manufacturing-efficiency-funding) There is money and resources available to the manufacturing industry who use compressed air or steam systems in their workplace. Yours could be costing a lot more than it needs to and they have extended this program to July 3. --- ## **Other Initiatives:** **Early Childhood Education & Care Relief Package:** From Monday 6 April 2020 weekly payments will be made directly to early childhood education and care services in lieu of the Child Care Subsidy and the Additional Child Care Subsidy, to help them keep their doors open and employees in their jobs. Payments will be made until the end of the 2019-20 financial year and families will not be charged fees during this time. More information can be found [here.](https://www.pm.gov.au/media/early-childhood-education-and-care-relief-package) **NEW NSW Department of Regional NSW:** The NSW Government has announced the establishment of the new Department of Regional NSW to better support communities, businesses and farmers in the bush that have endured drought, bushfire and flood and now face the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. More information can be found [here.](https://www.nsw.gov.au/your-government/ministers/deputy-premier-minister-for-regional-new-south-wales-industry-and-trade/media-releases-from-the-premier/new/) **NSW Emergency Supplies Registration:** In NSW, the State Government have announced a registration scheme for businesses with capacity to provide critical supplies, raw materials or manufacturing capability to produce critical supplies during the COVID-19 crisis. The following link provides further information: [Supplies registration portal - SCM8821](https://tenders.nsw.gov.au/?event=public.scheme.show&RFTUUID=DE449E37-03D9-9555-E68A9DE1EBD8689A) **$1.1B For Mental Health, Medicare & Domestic Violence Services:** The Federal Government has announced more support for the secondary effects of COVID-19, with a $1.1B package to boost mental health services, domestic violence support and Medicare assistance for people at home and emergency food relief. [Read the breakdown of this package here.](https://www.pm.gov.au/media/11-billion-support-more-mental-health-medicare-and-domestic-violence-services-0) **COVID-19 Information App:** An app is now available to access direct information on a range of features including health advice and updates on the measures that are being put in place by state and federal governments. To access this information: - Go to WhatsApp and type in ‘[aus.gov.au/whatsapp’](http://aus.gov.au/whatsapp%E2%80%99). - Apple app store: the coronavirus app. **Findex Resources:** As the global COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, the future of many Australian businesses grows increasingly uncertain. The team at Findex has designed a [**Government Stimulus Health Check**](http://insights.findex.com.au/covid19-cashflow/#lp-pom-block-372) to help you take full advantage of the recently announced government stimulus packages. They also invite you to download their [**FREE Business Wellbeing Toolkit**](http://insights.findex.com.au/covid19-cashflow/#lp-pom-block-372) to help you manage risk within your business.  ## Need some quick factsheets?  The Australian Government has created a page with factsheets on all the current packages available in one easy to access spot. [Take a look here.](https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/resources) ## COVID-19 Information in your Language The Government is providing information about COVID-19 initiatives in more than sixty (60) languages. This can be accessed via the following links: [Australian Government COVID-19 Health Updates](https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/translated-coronavirus-covid-19-resources) [Department of Home Affairs - COVID-19 Information](https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/covid-19/Pages/covid-19-english.aspx?lang=english) Copyright © 2019 Regional Development Australia Orana. All Rights Reserved. [Terms of Use](https://www.rdaorana.org.au/terms-of-use) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.rdaorana.org.au/privacy-policy)