2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants
The Federal Government may declare these otherwise assessable grants to be tax-free.
More information is available on the Business Queensland website
Applications open mid-August 21
Summary of Government assistance
Eligible small to medium businesses with:
- turnover of more than $75,000 per annum; and
- an annual Queensland payroll of up to $10 million; and
- at least a 30% reduction in turnover as a result of the lockdown that commenced on 31 July 2021; may be entitled to a $5,000 business support grant to assist with business expenses.
Note: On 10 August 2021, the QLD Government announced that eligibility would be extended to include large tourism and hospitality businesses outside of South East Queensland (i.e., in response to the recent Cairns and Yarrabah lockdown).
Larger businesses in the hospitality and tourism sector operating in the 11 local government areas that are in lockdown will also be eligible for grants, subject to meeting the relevant criteria.
Queensland Tourism and Hospitality Business package
The Federal Government may declare any otherwise assessable cash grants included in this package to be tax-free.
Summary of Government assistance
The QLD Government announced on 10 August 2021 a $47.75 million Tourism and Hospitality Sector COVID19 Lockdown Support Package for business. This delivers a range of measures including:
- An extension of the eligibility for the $5,000 COVID-19 Business Grants (see above) to include large tourism and hospitality businesses outside of South East Queensland (in response to the recent Cairns and Yarrabah lockdown).
- A six-month deferral of payroll tax payments for eligible tourism and hospitality businesses impacted by the current lockdowns.
- Waiving, refunding or deferring a range of fees for eligible tourism and hospitality businesses (e.g., 12- month fee waivers for certain park and recreation area tourism businesses.)
- A 12-month deferral of state lease fees for eligible tourism operators and waivers or refunds of inbound tour operator fees.
- A second round of the COVID-19 Marine Tourism Rebate to offset berthing fees for marine tourism vessels.
- Extensive liquor licensing waivers and refunds.
- A $20 million Queensland COVID-19 Cleaning Rebate to aid eligible businesses and not-for-profit entities affected by possible exposure to a COVID-19 case.
