$669m is for telehealth – online consultations with GPs and other health services $74m is for mental health amid concerns about the impact of self-isolation $150m is for domestic and family violence support following a 75% spike in online searches A new government app offers advice, the latest news and other support $200 is for… Read more »
People arriving in Australia from midnight March 30 will be forced to quarantine in designated hotels in the capital cities The Army will be sent to assist local police in ensuring quarantine measures are observed More economic stimulus is coming, including plans to ‘hibernate’ businesses to emerge from the shutdown State and territory leaders are… Read more »
The Australian government has scrapped a decision to limit hairdresser appointments to just 30 minutes, just 24 hours after the new rules were announced, despite the industry saying it would rather be shut down. On Tuesday night, the National Cabinet, made up of the Prime Minister and state and territory leaders announced the new… Read more »
NEW LAWS FROM MIDNIGHT, MARCH 25 BANNED International travel (except for essential workers) Real estate auctions, open houses, and other auctions Food courts in shopping centres, except for takeaways (shopping centres remain open) Wellness and yoga centres, barre and spin facilities Indoor and outdoor play centres, youth centres and swimming pools Social sporting activities Spas,… Read more »
Pubs, gyms, restaurants, clubs, casinos and even churches will be forced to close from midday on March 23 under increased social distancing rules being implemented by the federal government. Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the national closure of a range of indoor venues following a meeting with state and territory leaders on Sunday evening. Earlier… Read more »
SMEs will receive at least $20,000, and up to $100,000 in 2020, to keep employing staff Sole traders who lose more than 20% of income will be able to access their super The government will guarantee 50% of unsecured business loans up to $250,000 The bankruptcy laws will be softened, along with company director personal… Read more »
Australia has introduced tough new border controls in an effort to curb the transmission of COVID-19. All foreign nationals will be banned from entering the country from from 9pm (AEST) on Friday March 20. The ban applies to all non-citizens and non-residents. Australians returning from overseas – Qantas and Virgin Australia cease international flights at… Read more »
People arriving in Australia from overseas from midnight, March 15, must self-isolate for 14 days Prime Minister says if you go to work instead “you’re committing an offence” He promised to stop shaking hands, saying everyone should do the same The local cruise industry has been shut down for 30 days Schools will remain open… Read more »
It’s the news small business owners have been waiting for. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has finally announced a $17.6 billion stimulus package in response to the economic uncertainty around the coronavirus. Businesses will be eligible for up to $25,000 and instant tax relief while members of the community on Centrelink benefits will get one-off cash payments.… Read more »
FinTech Australia managing director Rebecca Schot-Guppy appeared before the Senate Select Committee on Financial Technology and Regulatory Technology last week. The committee is investigating the potential and opportunities in FinTech and RegTech for Australian business and consumers and initiatives to promote startups in the sectors. The committee is due to hand down its final report in… Read more »
Fibre-to-the-node (FTTN), the key broadband delivery method instigated by former communications minister Malcolm Turnbull in the Coalition government’s NBN policy, is failing to deliver for around a quarter of users, the latest review of broadband speeds by consumer watchdog the ACCC has found. The latest Measuring Broadband Australia report – the eight by the Australian… Read more »
Image: Jurassic World, Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment The Morrison government’s response to the ACCC’s concerns about the market power of Google and Facebook include $27m to the competition watchdog to boost monitoring and enforcement against the tech giants A voluntary code of practice, overseen by the ACCC, to address bargaining power imbalances between the tech companies… Read more »
The Morrison government and Big Four banks will commit $100 million each to the fund It will invest in around 30-50 high growth SMEs annually in return for a 10-40% equity stake The Business Growth Fund will have an independent management team selecting investments The government is talking to others to build the fund to… Read more »
The Australian Government is currently seeking feedback on its $18 million Female Founders Initiative, due to roll out in 2020. Industry, Science and Technology Minister Karen Andrews said the program is designed to support female business founders and consultation on it is underway until September 30. “We want to give businesses led by women the best… Read more »
After enduring eight different ministers in nine years, the startup sector was relieved when the re-elected Morrison government reappointed Karen Andrews, who’d been in charge on the portfolio for less than a year, as Minister for Industry, Science and Technology. But all sides agree there’s a lot of work do be done and no time… Read more »
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