Epoch News
Funding for the arts: what’s available and how can you get it
Will the Prime Minister’s targeted $250 million package of funding to support cultural and creative projects and initiatives save the industry? The arts funding is aimed at kick starting the sector with funding preferencing commercial initiatives that generate jobs...
Minimum wage increases by 1.75%
An increase to the minimum wage of 1.75% will start rolling out for the first full pay period from 1 July 2020. The increase applies to minimum rates in awards in 3 stages: Group 1 Awards - from 1 July 2020 Frontline Heath Care & Social Assistance Workers...
The ATO on COVID-19 fraud warpath
We always knew that a Government scheme swiftly distributing cash during a crisis was going to come with equally swift compliance and review measures, particularly when eligibility was self-assessed. Two major Australian Taxation Office (ATO) initiatives are searching...
1 July company tax rate deduction
Despite the current economic environment, the company tax rate will reduce to 26% for small and medium businesses from 1 July 2020. The 1 July change is part of a larger progressive plan to reduce the company tax rate to 25% from 1 July 2021 and applies to base rate...
Have casual workers been granted annual leave?
News headlines recently stated that casual workers have won the right to paid leave following a decision in the Federal Court. As usual, the devil is in the detail. At present, there is no global change granting Australian casual workers paid leave. The case however,...
The ATO’s JobKeeper audit targets
The JobKeeper subsidy has progressed beyond the rush for eligibility and entered its second phase: compliance. Late last month, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) released guidance highlighting where the regulator will focus its compliance resources. The JobKeeper...
COVID-19 Stimulus & support measures: What you can access & how
Over recent days and weeks all levels of government have released a range of intiatives designed to support individuals and, where possible, sustain businesses in response to the coronavirus pandemic. There are almost daily announcements and it's not at all surprising...
$1,500 JobKeeper subsidy to keep staff employed
Date: From 30 March 2020 for six months For employees employed at and from 1 March 2020 First payments in first week of May 2020 Applies to: Based on comparable periods: Employers <$1 bn that have experienced a downturn of more than 30% Employers >$1bn that have...
The second $66.1 bn stimulus package: What you need to know
The Government yesterday released a second, far reaching $66.1 bn stimulus package that boosts income support payments, introduces targeted changes to the superannuation rules, provides cash flow support of up to $100,000 for small business employers, and relaxes...
The stimulus package: What you need to know
The Government has announced a $17.6 billion investment package to support the economy as we brace for the impact of the coronavirus. The yet to be legislated four part package focuses on business investment, sustaining employers and driving cash into the economy....