Industry strongly welcomes support from NSW Government

Ai Group has strongly welcomed the NSW Government's $2.3 billion health and economic stimulus package in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Mark Goodsell, NSW-Head of the national employer association Ai Group, said today: "Extra health funding is very important in the front-line fight against the COVID-19 virus. The support for business and jobs is equally vital. Payroll tax relief will feed straight into business cashflow over the next three months as will waiving a range of fees and charges for some small businesses.

"$250 million to employ additional cleaners of public infrastructure will add important job opportunities for many whose incomes are most immediately threatened.

"$750 million to bring forward minor capital works and maintenance on public assets can also be a quick release stimulus.

"The Government should consider making further moves to boost the capacity of firms to keep open and employing. These include:

•        More rapid payment for work done under government contracts;
•        Relaxation of penalties relating to delayed contractual performance by private sector firms;
•        Realigning existing grant program guidelines so that they can be applied in cases of immediate job retention not just new job creation," Mr Goodsell said.

Media contact: Mark Goodsell 0418 408 871