Australian Bushfires – Business Support Resources

The Australian bushfires have been catastrophic across our country. Our thoughts are with all our clients and the wider community, particularly those that have been directly impacted.

As well as the devastating loss of life, homes and wildlife, the Australian bushfires have also had a tragic impact on businesses across Australia. If you or your business are facing hardship or severe disruption as a result of the bushfires, there is a range of information and support available to you.

We have been monitoring our information network closely and have compiled a list of resources available to assist you through the recovery.

General resources to help you:

• 1.  Recovering from a bushfire as a small business owner can be overwhelming. ASIC’s Moneysmart team have created a series of videos about getting help with financial decisions after a bushfire. 
• 2.  The ASIC website has details on how they can help including how to apply for fee relief.
• 3.  Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell has information about bushfire assistance for small and family business and also outlines what you can do right now to start the recovery process. 
• 4.  Business.gov.au provides information and support for Australian businesses who have been affected.
• 5.  The Australian Taxation Office are deferring lodgement dates and providing tax support to those affected.
• 6.  The State Revenue Office of Victoria has announced a range of tax relief measures for people and businesses affected by bushfires.
• 7.  Revenue NSW has also announced its range of options for bushfire-affected customers
• 8.  If you are finding it hard to manage your business finances, ASIC’s MoneySmart has some information about the financial counselling available to you.
• 9.  Some software providers such as Quickbooks and Xero are offering to reduce or waive fees for bushfire-affected businesses. Please note as each company has a varied approach please contact your provider directly to see what assistance may be available to you.
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If you are ever unsure of where to look for further business advice and information, please do not hesitate to call our office. Our caring team is always willing to assist where possible.