Business

Tuesday’s Budget from the Federal Government, in which it continues its robust effort to deal with the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic, has been followed by an abundance of commentary. In this note, I add my thoughts, with the key issues for our clients in mind. Last year’s Budget was delivered shortly before the 2019 election. At the time I... Read more

Changes to Employee Eligibility for Jobkeeper 1.0 There has been a recent change to the classification of eligible employees for Jobkeeper 1.0. Some businesses will now have more eligible employees: If a business has a full-time or part-time employee that commenced after 1 March 2020 up to 1 July 2020 then they will now be eligible for the remainder of Jobkeeper 1.0 that... Read more

In a time when blanket coverage of coronavirus and its impact on the economy can lead to a lot of confusion, Shane Oliver this week discusses the good news, the bad news, and what it all means for investors. Key Points After a strong rally, in the short-term shares are vulnerable to bleak economic and earnings news. However, positive news... Read more

Applications are open now, until 1 June 2020 for the NSW Government Grant to assist small businesses affected by COVID-19. Eligibility To be eligible, NSW-based businesses will need to: have between 1-19 employees as at 1 March 2020 have a turnover of more than $75,000 a payroll below the NSW Government 2019-20 payroll tax threshold of $900,000 have an Australian... Read more

If your business has been significantly impacted by the coronavirus shutdowns you will be able to access a wages subsidy to continue paying your employees and to set businesses up for a speedy recovery after the crisis has been resolved. Businesses and NFP’s with Employees To be eligible, employers must meet the following criteria: Turnover is less than $1 billion... Read more

Banks have outlined how they are supporting those affected by the coronavirus pandemic and its economic impacts. All members of the Australian Banking Association (ABA) will suspend principal and interest loan repayments for distressed small-business customers for six months. All four major banks (CBA, NAB, ANZ and Westpac) will also extend this to distressed home loan customers, enabling them to... Read more

Many people in the coming months will need to be in self-isolation, quarantine or potentially receiving treatment. This separation will make it harder for practical matters to be managed. There will be times that may need people to be formally authorised to make decisions for you. Having a power of attorney in place is the best way to be prepared... Read more

Cash Flow Assistance to Businesses  This payment will assist small and medium businesses that employ staff with temporary cash flow support. In the latest update, not-for-profit entities (NFPs), including charities, with aggregated annual turnover under $50 million and that employ workers will now also be eligible, and the amounts have been increased. Eligible businesses are small and medium entities, and NFP’s with... Read more

We have seen a major correction in all equity markets around the globe, as investors react to the impact of coronavirus on company profits. Travel bans and factory closures will certainly have an impact on global economic growth and activity. Uncertainty and fear are leading many investors to sell indiscriminately as they try to reduce their overall exposure to the... Read more

There is no doubt, there are reasons to have some concern about the global economic outlook. Talk of looming financial disaster does appear to have gained momentum recently. These heightened fears are based upon the following observations: Global debt is at record levels relative to GDP, which leaves little room for additional fiscal measures if they are required down the... Read more