The Morrison government has announced a suite of measures to immediately support small businesses, non-profit organisations and tourism businesses affected by Australia's bushfires.
The Morrison government has announced a suite of measures to immediately support small businesses, non-profit organisations and tourism businesses affected by Australia's bushfires.
The package includes grants, loans and some tax assistance for the estimated 192,000 small businesses and sole traders in the most severely affected regions, and national and global marketing initiatives to help boost Australian tourism.
Small businesses and non-profit organisations that have sustained damage as a result of the fires will be eligible for grant funding of up to $50,000, tax free, and could be offered loans of up to $500,000 for a maximum of 10 years to help restore or replace damaged assets and provide working capital.
The concessions will come from the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and will also be offered to Australian farmers and primary producers.
The government said $3.5 million would also go towards the Small Business Bushfire Financial Support Line, as well as for additional financial counsellors to help provide advice to around 100 small businesses per day.
"This comprehensive package will make it easier for those who have suffered direct fire damage, or have been indirectly economically impacted following the bushfires, to get back on their feet," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
The package follows a small business roundtable, held last week by Mr Morrison, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Small Business Minister Michaela Cash.
It included 70 attendees from groups including the Business Council of Australia and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The federal government said it would also support Australia’s $152 billion tourism industry with a $76 million recovery package.
Responding to calls from the tourism industry, the package includes $20 million for a nationally coordinated domestic marketing initiative and $25 million for a global marketing campaign to drive international tourism.
There is also money for regional tourism events, an international media program, support for Tourism Australia's annual trade event, and additional funding for Australia's diplomats to promote Australia.
Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham is encouraging Australians to spend their next long weekend or school holiday within Australia to support tourism businesses.
He also wants to ensure key international markets understand Australia is still open for business.
"Most Australian tourism attractions are untouched by bushfire, and that people can still come and have the same incredible experience visiting Australia that we've always prided ourselves on," Mr Birmingham told ABC television.
The government's announcement was welcomed by industry groups, such as Tourism Council WA.
Chief executive Evan Hall said the package would assist Western Australian tourism operators, which have reported cancellations and a drop in forward bookings from international visitors.
“The funding for international marketing included in today’s announcement is particularly important for regional areas like Broome & the Kimberley and Margaret River, which attract large numbers of international visitors,” he said.
“This package will benefit all WA tourism operators, and the industry will work closely with Tourism Australia and Tourism WA to showcase WA to travel media and send the message that we are open for business and have luckily escaped the devastation affecting some destinations.”
