Check out FAQs on the FWO website to find out about your workplace entitlements and obligations if you’re affected by the outbreak of coronavirus.
Increasing the Instant Asset Write-Off- The instant asset write-off threshold has been increased from $30,000 to $150,000 and expanded access to include businesses with aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million).
Boosting cash flow for employers- Provides $25,000 back to small and medium-sized businesses, with a minimum payment of $2,000 for eligible businesses. The payment will provide cash flow support to businesses with a turnover of less than $50 million that employ staff. The payment will be tax free.
Supporting apprentices and trainees- If you employ an apprentice or trainee you may be eligible for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of their wage paid from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020. You can register for the subsidy from early April 2020.
The Instant Asset Write-Off (IAWO) Threshold- The higher IAWO threshold provides cash flow benefits for businesses that will be able to immediately deduct purchases of eligible assets each costing less than $150,000. The threshold applies on a per asset basis, so eligible businesses can immediately write‑off multiple assets.
For more information, you can contact: Paul Henderson from Ausindustry
03 5442 4199 or 0428 360 230, email:
Visit the Australian Government Business website for further information...
Novel Coronavirus and Food Safety
Australia is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by coronavirus (COVID-19) first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The Australian Government Department of Health has established a website with up-to-date information on the virus. Visit the Australian Government Department of Health website.
Visit the Food Standards website for further information...
**With concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) increasing, growers need to take precautions with backpackers coming on to their orchard to work. Time should be taken to check VISA details online (VEVO) and confirm when and where the backpacker has originated from. If they have arrived from, or have transited through, China, Iran, Italy or South Korea, travel restrictions/self-isolation may apply. See Australian travel restrictions from the Department of Home Affairs.
The University of Melbourne, Department of Rural Health are holding a Public Lecture, Mr Warren Davies ‘The Unbreakable Farmer’ at The University of Melbourne, Department of Rural Health, Shepparton at 5:30 – 6:30pm on Thursday 27th March, 2020. *This is a community event and there will be no charge to those who attend.
Warren is a farmer and will share his life lessons, his message is simple and so very important at a time when stress is seen as normal and depression is commonplace.
RSVP - Please register online: www.trybooking.com/BIKDI or contact Di Doyle, Events, Community Engagement & Alumni Administrator, The University of Melbourne E.
MADEC source workers using their website, social media and call centre, and put suitable workers in contact with you. It is then your choice to employ them or not. MADEC will continue to direct workers to you until they have filled your requirements.
The easiest way to use the service is to contact the call centre which is located in regional Australia and is open from 8 am – 8 pm Mon-Fri (AEST). The trained consultants will be able to assist you in finding the right workers for your needs – 1800 062 332.
NHLIS is a no-cost service that is funded through the Australian Government and managed by MADEC, a not-for-profit organisation.
If you’d like to know more, feel free to get in touch at
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