I updated the people of #Longman on the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation on 101.5FM – Moreton Bays Own Radio Station.

I also spoke about the current protocols in place and urged people to stay home and keep doing so in the battle against the Coronavirus unless it’s for essential purposes.

Terry wishes to congratulate the people of Longman electorate and Moreton Bay Region for doing the right thing well done.

The Curve is flattening and this effort must be continues until the pandemic is over.

I am pleased to announce that the Australian Taxation Office is extending the time available for businesses to pay their employees, and still be able to claim back the first JobKeeper payments.

Businesses suffering from a significant reduction in turnover due to COVID-19 will now have until 8 May 2020 to ensure all eligible employees have received a minimum of $3,000 in gross wages for the first two fortnights of the JobKeeper support period.

This extension allows businesses further time to consider their circumstances and remove any cash flow pressures arising from financing arrangements that have not been finalised.

This means more businesses will be able to pay staff and still be eligible for JobKeeper payments, keeping more Australians connected to their workplace.

Importantly, this extension does not negate the obligation on businesses to ensure they continue to pay eligible employees $1,500 in each JobKeeper fortnight.

Businesses have until 31 May 2020 to formally enrol to claim JobKeeper payments. However, the sooner an employer pays their staff for April and enrols, the sooner the ATO can reimburse them the JobKeeper payments.

Further information can be found at: ato.gov.au/general/JobKeeper-Payment/

I have also been speaking with the Treasurer, along with other MPs across Australia, about issues businesses are having with obtaining bank finance.

As a result of our discussions, the banks have released the following Business Jobkeeper dedicated hotlines:

ANZ: 1800 571 123
Bank of Melbourne: 1300 784 873
Bank SA: 1300 669 472
CommBank: 13 26 07
NAB: 1800 JOBKEEPER (1800 562 533)
St George: 1300 730 196
Westpac: 1300 731 073

Banks are also fast-tracking efforts to streamline assessments with the ATO that confirm JobKeeper eligibility. If you‘re a business seeking more information you can visit ausbanking.org.au/covid19 or contact your bank.

It is essential to get information from your emergency service broadcaster and from the government sites below.

You can listen to the podcast above.