The ATO have some great free webinars available for small businesses - Making the move from AUSkey to myGovID, Tax support for small businesses during COVID-19, Cash Flow for small business success are a few of the topics covered. These webinars are interactive online seminars presented by experienced tax officers, you can ask questions to help you apply the information to your situation.

Find out more information here...

On-farm energy grants program: Grants have been extended- The application deadline for on-farm energy grants available to eligible primary producers has been extended to 30 June 2020 or until funding is exhausted (whichever comes first). Visit the Agriculture Victoria website for more information...

Drought and rural support- Information on Immediate action for those affected by drought can be found by visiting the Agriculture.gov.au website...

Investment Support Grants: Packaging VIC- This program is targeted at projects that aim to reduce, recover or reuse packaging materials including, plastics, paper and cardboard, glass and rubber. Projects that primarily recover metals are excluded from this program. For more information and to apply, please visit the business.gov.au website

Business Energy Advice Program- 2 x free services for eligible small businesses to receive energy advice and a Small Business Energy Check to help choose the best energy plan, receive tailored advice on energy efficiency opportunities and an energy spend benchmarking tool that allows small businesses to compare their energy spend against similar businesses in their industry and region. Please visit the energy.gov.au website for further information....

Export Market Development Grants (EMDG)- Funding is provided to compensate eligible export businesses up to 50% of their promotional expenses above $5000, up to a maximum of $150,000, provided total eligible expenses incurred amount to at least $15,000. Visit the business.gov.au website for further information...

Fuel tax credits: business- Fuel tax credits provide businesses with a credit for the fuel tax (excise or customs duty) that's included in the price of fuel used in machinery, plant, equipment, heavy vehicle, light vehicles travelling off public roads or on private roads. The amount depends on when you acquire the fuel, what fuel you use and the activity you use it in. Fuel tax credits rates also change regularly so it's important to check the rates each time you do your business activity statement (BAS). Visit the ATO website for more information...

Australian Trusted Trader- Become an accredited Trusted Trader and save your business time and money. Australian Trusted Trader reduces red tape for Trusted Traders at the border, improves certainty in export markets, and expedites the flow of their cargo in and out of Australia, which means faster access to market. Visit the Australian Border Force website for more information...

Apply for a quad bike safety rebate - The Victorian Government is funding a $6 million rebate scheme to help reduce quad bike deaths on farms. Farmers can apply for up to:

• $600 per device to buy up to 2 quad bike rollover protection devices
• $1200 towards buying a safer alternative vehicle

Visit the Worksafe Victoria website for more information...

AgBiz Drought loans- Eligible drought-affected small businesses can apply for loans for up to $500,000. You can only apply for this loan if your small business is currently or has been supplying goods or services relating to primary production to farm businesses in an affected area. Visit the Regional Investment Corporation website for further information...

Drought Community Support Initiative- The Salvation Army is working together with St Vincent de Paul Society to deliver the Drought Community Support Initiative (DCSI) for eligible drought-affected households. If you're a farmer, farm worker or farm supplier/contractor who is struggling financially because of the drought, you may be entitled to receive a one-off payment of up to $3,000 funded by the Australian Government’s Drought Community Support Initiative Round 2 (DCSI). Visit the Salvation Army website for more info...

Australian exporters will soon start reaping the benefits of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), with Australia receiving formal notification that Indonesia has completed its domestic ratification processes.

Federal Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said the landmark trade deal with Indonesia would enhance export opportunities and deliver significant benefits for Australian farmers, businesses and investors.

“After discussions earlier this week with my Indonesian counterpart, Minister of Trade Agus Suparmanto, we welcome this step that will see the benefits of this trade agreement flow from 5 July this year,” Minister Birmingham said.

“Securing a trade agreement with Indonesia has been a longstanding objective of our government, to further strengthen the strategic partnership between our nations and further expand the choices available for Australian exporters." - Read more of this Media Release.......

The department works with a range of partners to provide workshops for farmers to help them make the most of seasonal conditions. These can be part of an ongoing program or arranged specifically if the need arises. Since 1 May 2018, Agriculture Victoria has delivered over 200 dry seasonal conditions activities and events across the state. Agriculture Victoria has the following dry seasonally focused farmer workshops scheduled in the approaching months for the following regions:

• Gippsland regions workshops
• Northern and North West regions workshops
• Statewide webinars
• Financial literacy program

PMA Australia-New Zealand have released a Guide on coping with COVID-19 in the workplace. The guide provides advice on:

• Recommendations to prevent introduction and spread of COVID-19
• Accommodation of workforce
• Staff health and welfare
• Protocols if an employee is found to be infected with COVID-19

Although restrictions will be easing and things appear to be settling down, we still need to remain vigilant to ensure no outbreaks in our industry.

Download a copy of the Guide here...