Weekly Briefing: the latest news for EAs

We will be producing this short weekly Briefing to keep you updated on all the latest issues during these unique circumstances.

Plus, we will be including any updates on government relief and support for you and the businesses you work in.

Are you a Virtual Assistant or EA/Office Manager in a small business?

The government has announced a relief package for organisations impacted by the Coronavirus, and if you’re a freelance EA or VA, sole trader or work in a small business, you or your organisation may be eligible for the below:

If you’re a sole trader and do not employ staff, there a couple of longer-term relief measures that you will be eligible for:

• The increased instant asset write-off measures
• The accelerated depreciation deduction arrangements

For more immediate issues, the ATO have put up a page on their website offering to listen to your circumstances and work out a solution. This isn’t their standard terms, this a direct response to the pandemic.

• Tax relief, provided on a case-by-case basis by the ATO, call the ATO’s Emergency Support Infoline on 1800 806 218.

For businesses with a revenue of less than $50 million and employ staff, you are eligible for a cashflow boost up to $25,000 from the Federal Government.

State and territory governments also have their own support for small businesses. For example, Queensland has set aside $500 million in relief loans that your organisation can apply for to keep staff employed. Plus, the opportunity to defer payroll tax.

• Here are the direct links to the pages on each government’s website that list relief and help that is currently available (these will be subject to change): QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, WA, NT and TAS. The ACT’s will be released today.

We will provide you with more information as it becomes available. Visit the Federal Government’s website for the most up to date information on business support.

Congress Rental fills a gap at international virtual events

Taking a conference or meeting into the virtual world is proving to be a successful way to keep meeting through the COVID-19 situation. But, what about those international delegates who need an interpreter? How do you live-translate a virtual event?

The team at Congress Rental have come up with a way to get their team of translators in your virtual space and translating on the fly with their remote interpretation solutions.

Spicers Retreats introduces flexible booking solution

Uncertain times like this, makes it hard to make decisions for the rest of the year. Because of this, Spicers Retreats have just introduced a new, flexible solution to book meetings and small events during this time, with Spicers Retreats up until the end of 2020. Full flexibility is given to our clients up until 31 days prior to arrival for any 2020 group events.

Contact them for more information: conference@spicersretreats.com

Next Story Group launches it’s ‘Great Aussie Sale’

Next Story Group is giving guests a good reason to “support our local communities and explore our great outdoors” with their Great Aussie Sale.

The hotel group is offering 30 percent off stays between now and 31 August when guests book directly, plus the sale includes a range of benefits for bookers, including late checkout, dining offers and wine on arrival at select hotels.

Rydges Hotels and Resorts commits to keeping clean & flexible

In response to COVID-19, Rydges Hotels and Resorts are committing to strict hygiene practices and are offering flexibility for reservations needing to make alternative arrangements.

“We are committed to delivering and maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene in our properties. We’re flexible and we’re here for you, so if you need to cancel or change your reservation right up to June 2021, just reach out to us directly. You can find every hotel’s contact number on rydges.com”