NSW government looks at expanding business lockdown support eligibility criteria

Earlier this week, the Illawarra's Labor MPs Paul Scully, Anna Watson and Ryan Park wrote to Treasurer Dominic Perrottet when it was announced that Wollongong and Shellharbour, along with the rest of the Greater Sydney region, would remain under the stay-at-home order for another week.

Among their specific requests was a call to relax the turnover eligibility critera, so more businesses could access support.

Read more: Thirty-eight COVID cases for NSW, 11 infectious in the community

It has been confirmed that the government is looking at including businesses and sole traders with turnover of less than $75,000 in its support package.

Under the current rules of the package, announced last Tuesday, grants of between $5000 and $10,000 are on offer for businesses that experience a loss of trade of between 30 and 70 per cent, but they must have an annual turnover of at least $75,000 a year.

Mr Perrottet said the NSW government was open to more targeted assistance as the situation progresses.

The Treasurer is also considering a business recovery package post-lockdown.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that the Commonwealth will expand its support for workers in lockdown areas.

Ms Watson, Mr Park and Mr Scully had also called on the state government to provide assistance to workers in those industries most affected, such as hospitality and tourism.

Read more: Eateries say lockdown support good, but could be better

Meanwhile, the NSW Police Force says it continues to watch for residents of Greater Sydney who try to travel to regional areas in breach of the lockdown.

"We want to make it clear that police in Greater Sydney and our regional locations are sharing information and will continue to patrol transport hubs to check that people are complying with the stay-at-home direction," the State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said.

On Wednesday night, a man from Kingswood was found in Mudgee in breach of the order; he told police he had travelled there to meet a person he had met on social media.

Fifty-six fines were issued on Wednesday, and of those 26 were $200 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.

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