Michael Ferguson,Minister for Finance
The Government will do everything it can to manage and mitigate the economic and social impacts of coronavirus, and I again thank our parliamentary colleagues for the support they have shown towards the measures put in place.
Thank you especially to those Tasmanian workers and businesses who have made enormous sacrifices to help stop the spread of the virus.
Our $420 million social and economic support package is designed to support the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians, providing a range of financial assistance, including loans, grants and fee relief.
Today, I tabled legislation to facilitate the implementation of several of our key stimulus measures.
The Taxation and Related Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2020 will facilitate the waiving of payroll tax for businesses with employees in the tourism, hospitality and seafood industries.
This Bill will also facilitate the provision to businesses of a one year payroll tax rebate for new employees under 24, employed between April 1 and December 31.
Equally important, the Bill will extend the First Home Owners Grant Act 2000 at $20,000 for a further 24 months, to June 30, 2022.
We have established additional capacity in the Business Tasmania hotline, and an additional hotline has also been established through the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to assist businesses.
There's a long road ahead for all of us, but Tasmanians are strong, resilient and generous, and we will get through this together.
