NSW Government Weekly Update - 23 July 2021

23 July 2021
TWO NEW VACCINATION CENTRES OPEN
 
  • Two new NSW Health vaccination centres have opened their doors, boosting the NSW Government’s contribution to the Federal Government’s vaccine rollout.
  • The growing number of NSW Health sites complements the GP Network, which has and will continue to deliver the majority of COVID-19 vaccines across NSW.
  • The mass vaccination centre in Belmont, Lake Macquarie, which has been transformed from an old Bunnings Warehouse into a vaccine centre in six weeks, began administering jabs this morning.
  • The centre will have capacity to administer up to 20,000 Pfizer vaccinations each week and will employ around 100 nurses, 25 pharmacists/pharmacy technicians, and around 200 other support staff.
  • The new vaccination clinic on Pitt Street in the Sydney CBD also began administering vaccines this morning, and has capacity to administer up to 7,000 Pfizer vaccinations each week.
  • Mass vaccination centres at Macquarie Fields in Sydney’s south-west and Wollongong are set to open in the coming weeks.
  • To check your eligibility and book an appointment use the  vaccine eligibility checker: https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility.
 
ACCELERATED 2021 COVID-19 BUSINESS SUPPORT GRANT OPEN
 
  • Eligible NSW businesses, sole traders and not-for-profit organisations can apply for up to $15,000 from the first of the NSW Government’s economic support packages: The 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grant.
  • The 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grant is available to NSW businesses that have a turnover of more than $75,000 and up to $50 million, and have a total annual wages bill of below $10 million.
  • Businesses can expect to start receiving funds from the Business Support Grant from the end of July.
  • Eligible businesses for the 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grant will receive:
    • $15,000 for a decline in turnover of 70 per cent, or more;
    • $10,500 for a decline in turnover of 50 per cent, or more;
    • $7,500 for a decline in turnover of 30 per cent, or more.
  • For more information on the 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants visit: www.nsw.gov.au.
  • Support for individuals impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home orders is available through Services Australia. For more information visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/covid19.
 
PAYROLL TAX REDUCTIONS AND DEFERRALS TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES
 
  • NSW businesses are set to benefit from further payroll tax relief to help ease the financial burden of COVID-19 lockdowns.
  • Targeted support was being made available through Revenue NSW, with payroll tax deferrals already available for all businesses and a 25 per cent reduction on the 2021 22 payroll tax reconciliation for eligible businesses.
  • All NSW businesses who have a payroll tax liability have the option of deferring lodgement and payment of their 2020/21 annual reconciliation until 7 October 2021.
  • Customers required to lodge monthly returns will also have the option of deferring their returns due in August and September until 7 October 2021.
  • In addition, all payroll tax customers that defer their payments are eligible for an interest free payment plan of up to 12 months.
  • Businesses with wages between $1.2 million and $10 million that have experienced a 30 per cent decline in turnover will get a 25 per cent reduction of their 2021/22 payroll tax.
  • For more information about payroll tax reductions and deferrals, customers should visit the website www.revenue.nsw.gov.au or contact the team at Revenue NSW on 1300 139 815 or payrolltax@revenue.nsw.gov.au.
 
REGISTER YOUR CARDS TO STAY COVID SAFE
 
  • People using NSW’s public transport network are being encouraged to register their credit and debit card details in the Opal Travel app or transportnsw.info website, to help NSW Health’s contact-tracing efforts during the current COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Customers who register their contactless cards will also be able to review their own trips on public transport.
  • Transport for NSW uses Opal data to provide NSW Health with only the names and contact details of customers who are classed as close contacts on public transport services, and does not pass on credit or debit card details.
  • More information: https://transportnsw.info/news/2021/stay-covid-safe-register-your-payment-card-to-help-contact-tracing.
 
$1 MILLION FOR COMMUNITY EDUCATION RESOURCES  

 
  • The NSW Government has announced a $1 million investment to help not-for-profit community education providers upgrade crucial infrastructure and training equipment.
  • Around 30 Adult and Community Education (ACE) colleges across NSW have received crucial funding from the NSW Government in recognition of the services they deliver to disadvantaged students, communities and regions.
  • The funding will allow 30 ACE colleges to expand their online delivery by providing IT equipment, laptops and software as well as upgrading industry‐specific plant and equipment for specialist vocational training.
 
NSW GOVERNMENT FUTURE OF GAS STATEMENT DELIVERS CLARITY ON PELS AND LAND USE
 
  •  
The NSW Government has released its Future of Gas Statement, outlining plans for the gas industry in NSW, while ruling out gas production under the majority of Petroleum Exploration Licences (zombie PELs), with the exception of those which support the future of the Narrabri Gas Project.
  • Gas plays a key role in supporting access to affordable energy and business growth within NSW and the Future of Gas Statement gives industry bodies, regional communities and farmers greater certainty around jobs, economic prosperity and land use.
  • For more information, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/gas-statement.
 
NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR NSW BUSINESSES AND RESEARCHERS 
 
  • The NSW Government has announced new seed funding opportunities, while calling on businesses and research institutions to strengthen the state’s entrepreneurship capability, as part of the third Innovation Districts COVID-19 R&D Challenge.
  • The challenge would see an additional $500,000 in seed funding invested in research and development solutions that address the long-term strategic challenges of the pandemic.
  • Eligible businesses must be at least 75 per cent Australian owned, based in NSW, have fewer than 200 employees, have operated for at least 12 months, with at least $75,000 in sales revenue, and have a product or service in development that could strengthen the state’s entrepreneurship capability.
  • To submit an expression of interest, businesses must contact their local challenge partner. The list of Innovation District Partners and more information on the challenges can be found at www.business.nsw.gov.au.
 
WELLBEING CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGES HSC STUDENTS TO ASK FOR HELP
 
  • HSC students and their families will have 24-hour access to support from Australia’s leading mental health service for young people in the lead up to exams.
  • In addition to the wellbeing programs being run at schools, the government has extended a partnership with ReachOut on the Stay Healthy HSC Hub providing advice for HSC students for staying healthy while preparing for their exams.
  • The wellbeing campaign includes a one-stop-shop for students with advice, resources and information available on the Stay Healthy HSC hub.

Authorised by Chris Stone, Liberal Party of Australia, NSW Division, Level 2, 131 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

Donations by individuals to registered political parties of between $2 and $1,500 in a financial year are tax deductible. Phone: 02 8356 0300.

Privacy Policy