By Georgia Parsonson
In an agreement between the Queensland and Commonwealth governments, the value of Queensland’s COVID-19 Business Support Grants will rise to $600 million.
As part of the grant package, support will include a $1000 one-off grant to non-employing sole traders across Queensland and tiered payments based on pay-roll size for businesses throughout the state.
The impact of lockdowns on businesses has been felt across Australia, and Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says this new business support package recognises this fact.
“The Morrison Government recognises the impact that lockdowns across the country are having on businesses in Queensland,” Treasurer Frydenberg said.
“This package will help to keep businesses in business and Queenslanders in jobs, and builds on the almost $30 billion in economic support the Morrison Government has provided Queensland households and businesses during the pandemic.
“As we have done so throughout this crisis, we will continue to work with the Palaszczuk Government to ensure the Queensland economy continues to recover from the impact of COVID-19.”
Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick said the agreement would support businesses that Queensland’s recent lockdowns have negatively impacted and those businesses that remain affected by the ongoing lockdowns in other states.
“We know that across Queensland, the lack of international and interstate visitors is affecting businesses every day, especially those in tourism and hospitality,” the Queensland Treasurer said.
“This dollar-for-dollar agreement with the Federal Government will see Queensland’s contribution rise to $300 million and vastly increase the scope of support available to businesses right across the state.
“From Monday 16 August, our $5000 COVID-19 Business Support Grants program will be open to businesses across Queensland, but this agreement with the Federal Government is in addition to that and means that we will be able to extend our support even further.”