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Supporting up to $40 Billion of Lending to SME Businesses

The Morrison Government is today making the first round of offers to banks and non-bank lenders to participate in the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme to support small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) get access to working capital to help them get through the impact of the coronavirus.
Under the Scheme, the Government will support up to $40 billion of lending to SMEs with turnover of less than $50 million, including sole traders and not-for-profit organisations, with the Government guaranteeing 50 per cent of new loans issued by eligible lenders until 30 September 2020.
The Government will make offers to 29 banks and 5 non-bank lenders in response to expressions of interest which will total $34 billion of potential lending to SMEs. Applications from a range of other lenders are currently being assessed for the remaining $6 billion in the Scheme.
The legislative and scheme rules have also been finalised following consultation with lenders and key stakeholders to ensure the Scheme provides the required support to SMEs during this period.
The Scheme complements other initiatives undertaken by the Government and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to support lending to SMEs, including:

$15 billion to allow AOFM to invest in wholesale funding markets used by small ADIs and non-ADI lenders.
The RBA’s $90 billion term funding facility for ADIs with a priority for SME lending.
Cutting red tape to ensure SMEs get access to credit faster.

The Scheme will also support the JobKeeper program to help businesses get access to the necessary working capital to continue operating when their revenues have been significantly impacted by the coronavirus.
Further information about the SME Guarantee Scheme can be found on the Treasury website: www.treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/sme-guarantee-scheme. A list of participating lenders will be available on the Treasury website once the offers to lenders have been accepted.
The Government will continue to help small businesses build a bridge to the other side to ensure that Australia bounces back even stronger.

Industry Consortium to Manufacture 2000 Ventilators

A group of Australian manufacturing companies and engineering firms will work together to produce 2,000 invasive ventilators in Australia as part of the nation’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Federal Government has reached a $31.3 million agreement with Victorian company Grey Innovation, which is leading an industry consortium to produce the ventilators.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said Grey Innovation and their cohort of industry partners are stepping up to meet the challenge of this unprecedented pandemic.
“This is another great example of Australian industry and the private sector working with our Government to ensure critical supply of medical equipment during the outbreak of this virus,” Minister Andrews said.
“This deal demonstrates the power of bringing Aussie manufacturers and clinicians together and is also a reflection of the highly advanced manufacturing capability that exists in our country.
“It also shows the incredible collaborative spirit that’s been on display as we respond to this unprecedented pandemic. Companies which are normally in competition are working together for the greater good.”
This contract builds on the extensive work already done to secure more ventilators, including agreement with another local manufacturer and our private hospitals.
Grey Innovation Executive Chair Jefferson Harcourt said his company is proud to be a part of Australia’s overall strategy to ensure adequate supply of lifesaving ventilators to meet demand during the COVID-19 crisis.
“Victoria has the highest concentration of leading engineering and manufacturing companies in Australia, and as such, we are well placed to work together to build the Notus emergency invasive ventilators as quickly as possible,” Mr Harcourt said.
“We thank the Federal and Victorian Governments and the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre for their support of the vision and rapid response to get the program under way, and are overwhelmed by the willingness of our industry colleagues to respond in this critical hour of need.”
The contract with Grey Innovation builds on $500,000 support from the Victorian Government for the project’s feasibility stage.
The supply of ventilators is set to start in June, with the 2000 machines expected to be produced by the end of July.

Stay home this Easter long weekend

City of Newcastle is urging anyone tempted out by this long weekend’s forecast sunshine to heed the advice of police and health officials and stay home instead.
The NSW Government Public Health Order on Gathering and Movement, gazetted 30 March 2020, makes it illegal to congregate in groups of more than two and states people must remain in the home unless they have a reasonable excuse to be out.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the upcoming Easter long weekend was not the time to slip up on social distancing.
“Novocastrians have embraced the need for social distancing and are staying home to protect themselves and others from the spread of COVID-19,” the Lord Mayor said.
“With forecast warm and sunny weather over the Easter long weekend, we are stressing how important it is at this critical point of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic for people to continue to stay home.”
The Lord Mayor echoed the message from NSW Police that unless people were going to the supermarket or pharmacy, going to or from work if they cannot work from home, going to medical appointments, or getting some exercise in their own neighbourhood, they should be at home.
“To help contain and slow the spread of COVID-19, we all have to work together and that means staying in our homes and our neighbourhoods for the time being.
“By working together as a community, we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 to protect each other and be back enjoying ourselves with friends and family as soon as possible.”
City of Newcastle has installed signage at beaches, parks and playgrounds across the local government area advising that the spaces are closed.
Outdoor facilities like BBQs, shelters and picnic tables are also closed, while NSW Police have the power to issue on-the-spot fines to people not complying with social distancing rules.
For the latest on City of Newcastle’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Grants program enables community sector to give a hand up

City of Newcastle has made available grants of up to $30,000 to non-government organisations, not-for-profits, charities and for-profit service providers that directly support community health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Boost Our City Community Sector Grants, which opened on Wednesday, unlock immediate cashflow for eligible projects delivered by organisations already well positioned to provide practical support to those who need it most.
CropCommunity-Grants-Program-2-(1).jpg The grants program sits under phase one of the COVID-19 Community and Economic Development Resilience Package, through which the City has pledged $650,000 of financial and in-kind support to the community sector to respond to needs arising from COVID-19.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the grants would enable organisations to develop creative, innovative solutions to COVID-19 challenges faced by the most vulnerable and emerging at-risk groups in our community.
“The aim of our community grants program is to scale and fit the needs identified by the community sector to soften the social impact of COVID-19,” the Lord Mayor said.
“It could make all the difference, for instance, to someone with complex health needs but limited access to technology to ensure continuity of care, or to someone who has lost their job or is struggling with mental health and turns to a charity or service provider for the first time.
“The effects of this pandemic will be far-reaching and felt for some time to come.”
The City has already assisted in the first wave of impact felt by the pandemic, providing urgent Rapid Response Funding to existing service providers, such as OzHarvest, to cope with increased demand for food, welfare, supported living, community transport and more.
Applications for Boost Our City Community Sector Grants are open until 30 June, at which point Council will consider ongoing need under phase two of the package.
Grants of between $2,000 and $30,000 are available for projects that comply with Federal Government guidelines and NSW Health advice regarding COVID-19.
Application forms and information on how to apply are available via the website.
For further to support, email covidresilience@ncc.nsw.gov.au or phone 4974 2000 to speak with a City of Newcastle staff member.

Free parking permits for front-line workers

City of Newcastle will provide free residential parking permits to key health care workers and emergency services personnel to help them respond faster to emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Essential Services Temporary Parking Permit will allow doctors, nurses, pharmacists and paramedics who live in commercial zones – in the city centre, Hamilton and Darby Street – to park close to home for free and for an unlimited time.
Similarly, doctors, nurses, pharmacists and paramedics who live in residential zones but are ineligible for a permit for certain reasons, such as having an onsite parking space, will be able to apply for the temporary concession to help them get to work as quickly as possible.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the parking concession was a practical way for the City to support those on the front line of the public health crisis.
“Health care workers are facing great challenges and pressures during this pandemic, so we’re making parking one less thing they have to worry about,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“The temporary permits are for those healthcare workers who typically have a 30-minute window to respond in the event of an emergency.
“On behalf of the City of Newcastle, we are extremely grateful for these frontline workers and their efforts during this unprecedent public health crisis and we extend our thanks to them.”
The City will implement a fast-track service to process permit applications, with an anticipated turnaround of 24 hours.
All permits will remain valid until 30 June 2020, with the expiry date to be extended or brought forward according to the COVID-19 situation.
Applications for an Essential Services Temporary Parking Permit should include contact details, residential address, vehicle details and proof of occupation.
Health care workers and emergency services personnel can apply by emailing parkingservices@ncc.nsw.gov.au
For the latest on City of Newcastle’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

FREE PRESCHOOL IN NSW FOR UP TO SIX MONTHS

Parents in NSW will not have to pay preschool fees for up to six months thanks to a $51 million funding package announced by the NSW Government.
The NSW Government has also committed up to $82 million to support 260 council childcare centres who are not eligible for the JobKeeper payments.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said preschools and early childhood educators are vital to the community, and it is important parents continue to have access to childcare during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Parents are under a lot of pressure at the moment and it’s crucial for them to continue to have access to childcare, particularly those working on the frontline during this crisis,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This will also provide funding certainty during an unpredictable time, ensuring preschool teachers and educators can be confident they will remain employed.
“This will provide financial relief to families during the pandemic and ensure childcare centres remain viable into the future.”
The funding will be available to 700 State-funded community preschools and 38 mobile services that provide care to 45,000 three to five year olds.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the recently announced Working for NSW Fund would contribute towards the state’s community preschools.
“This fund was set up to keep people in jobs and by supporting the sector, we’re ensuring the future of these early childhood services beyond this health crisis.
“It will also ease cost-of-living pressures on families in these tough times.”
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the funding means community preschools and council childcare centres would be required to remain open, unless they are closed on health advice.
“Preschools and council childcare centres will now have the peace of mind that they will be financially viable, and parents will benefit from the relief of not having to pay any fees,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Families and children can now also be assured that their preschool service will continue to operate, providing some familiarity for them during these trying times.”
Today’s funding is on top of the NSW Government’s commitment to maintain Start Strong funding for preschools based on service enrolments before COVID-19.

BOOST TO FRONTLINE POLICE OFFICERS ACROSS NSW

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott welcomed 263 new recruits to the NSW Police Force today after they were sworn in as probationary constables in Goulburn during a private attestation ceremony.
Mr Elliott said the State would be a safer place with the recruits assigned to local Police Commands across NSW where they will commence duties over the coming weeks.
“I want to welcome each and every attesting recruit to the police family. This is not an easy time to be a first responder. Our Class 340 recruits have come at an important time for the state of NSW,” Mr Elliott said.
“Due to the current restrictions, these recruits have not had the send-off into their new careers that they deserve. I am working with Commissioner Fuller to ensure that all recruits attesting this year will be celebrated bigger than ever when it is safe to do so.
“These officers can be assured they have the full support of this Government. The NSW Government has invested $583 million to introduce 1,500 extra police over the next four years, the biggest investment in police for more than 30 years.”
NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller said the latest intake of probationary constables will provide a valuable boost to police resources as the state faces the threat of COVID-19.
“I welcome our newest police officers from Class 340 who attest at a very significant time. They will hit the ground running, and I want them to know that I have their back,” he said.
Class 340 includes 177 men and 86 women. Some recruits entered the NSW Police Academy straight from school or university, while others left established professional careers and trades.
The recruits have completed eight months of foundational training and those allocated to metropolitan commands will report to their stations on Tuesday 14 April 2020.
Thirty-one recruits were born overseas in countries including Italy, Afghanistan, USA, Thailand and Lebanon. Five recruits are Indigenous with two coming through the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) program.

$1000 PIN issued over relocation to holiday home on Central Coast

A man has been issued a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) by police conducting inquiries into the circumstances surrounding his recent travels to a holiday home on the Central Coast.
Police were alerted yesterday (Wednesday 8 April 2020), that a 55-year-old Elizabeth Bay man had relocated to a holiday home at Pearl Beach, in contravention of current Ministerial Direction under the Public Health Act.
After reports he had breached the order, the man returned to Sydney today (Thursday 9 April 2020).
As part of inquiries, investigators from Central Metropolitan Region attended the Elizabeth Bay home unit and spoke with the man.
Following further inquiries, the man was issued a $1000 PIN via email just before 9pm, for failing to comply with noticed direction (Section 5 – COVID-19).
NSW Police Commissioner Fuller said the directions are in place to protect the lives of people in NSW.
“Police have been given these powers to ensure the community spread of COVID-19– which we know is devastating communities across the globe – is minimised,” the Commissioner said.
“You only need to look at the statistics to see that people are dying where appropriate measures have either not been established or are ignored.
“No one individual or corporation is above these laws – anyone suspected of breaching the orders will be investigated and if a breach is detected, they will be dealt with in accordance with the Act.
“On behalf of the community, I strongly urge those with information about breaches to contact police.”
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Charges laid over alleged intimidation outside Chinese Consulate – Camperdown

A man has been charged after allegedly cracking a whip and making threats outside the Chinese Consulate in Sydney’s Inner West.
Just after 10.30am on Tuesday 31 March 2020, a man, armed with a large stock whip, stood outside the Chinese Consulate in Camperdown.
Police will allege in court that the man threatened several members of the public while cracking the whip.
Officers from Inner West Police Area Command were notified and commenced an investigation.
Following extensive inquiries, investigators arrested a 55-year-old man at a home in Dee Why about 9am yesterday (Thursday 9 April 2020).
He was taken to Manly Police Station, where he was charged with attempt stalk/intimidate intend fear of harm and armed with intent commit indictable offence.
The man was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Manly Local Court on Wednesday 1 July 2020.

Three charged with not complying with public health order; drugs, weapons seized – Miller

Three men have been charged – and drugs and weapons have been seized from a vehicle – after a driver was stopped in Sydney’s south-west.
About 8.15am yesterday (Thursday 9 April 2020), officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command were conducting patrols of the Miller area, when they stopped a Hyundai i30 sedan travelling on Gabo Crescent allegedly driving in a dangerous manner.
After speaking with the 43-year-old driver, police allege he and his two male passengers, aged 28 and 29, did not have a reasonable excuse for travelling.
The driver underwent a roadside drug test and allegedly returned a positive result. His licence has been suspended.
When the vehicle was searched, police seized heroin, MDMA, methylamphetamine, an electronic stun device, a knife, $16,460 in cash and drug paraphernalia. These items were seized to undergo forensic examination.
All three men were arrested and taken to Liverpool Police Station.
The 29-year-old man has been charged with 21 offences, including:
• Custody of knife in public place
• Supply prohibited drug (three counts)
• Possess prohibited drug (10 counts)
• Goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (four counts)
• Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit
• Deal with property proceeds of crime, and
• Fail to comply requirement public health order.
The 28-year-old man and 43-year-old man were both charged with fail to comply requirement public health order, and breach of bail.
All three men were refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Friday 10 April 2020).