Keeping people in jobs and businesses in business

Extra funding and investment in healthcare

To limit the spread of COVID-19 and help our economy to recover as rapidly as possible, immediate action has been taken to support our health system and healthcare workers across the state.

Substantial financial support for the healthcare system has included: 

• $700 million to expand ICU capacity, increase COVID-19 testing, purchase additional ventilators and medical equipment.
• $100 million support package to provide free accommodation for frontline healthcare workers, medical research and vaccine trials, commercialisation of research products and partnering with industry to boost domestic supply chains.
• A $73 million investment to boost state-wide mental health support.
• Funding to quickly bring to market research by NSW’s world-class universities and partner research institutions. 
• Greater use of telehealth including virtual consultations and audio visual technologies to assist in patient care.

Creating and retaining jobs

The NSW Government is committed to creating and supporting jobs for the people of NSW. 

Strategies to create and retain jobs across the state have included:

• $1 billion to support direct employment opportunities and retraining through the Working for NSW fund. 
• Fee-free childcare in community or mobile preschools for up to six months and financial support for 260 council childcare centres.
• Support for regional areas, with vital infrastructure projects fast-tracked to help communities recover from the impacts of drought, bushfire and COVID-19. 
• Additional resources to help communities to upskill with free TAFE courses on subjects including marketing, computer skills and accounting.

Support for businesses of all sizes

The NSW Government’s support for businesses has been targeted to provide maximum relief for those hit hardest.

Measures to help businesses maintain cash flow, protect jobs and keep the lights on have included:

• $750 million to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19, through the NSW Government’s new Small Business Support Fund.
• Payroll tax relief, including a six month deferral for all businesses, additional waivers and rebates for small businesses, and an increase in the payroll tax threshold from 1 July 2020.
• The passing of new regulations, providing land tax discounts for eligible landlords who reduce rent to support tenants in need. 
• Free access to business advisors and online workshops through Business Connect and 24/7 operating hours for Service NSW.
• Increased flexibility for businesses such as supermarkets and pharmacies to operate around the clock.

Improved access to essentials for communities and families at-risk

The NSW Government has been working to ensure everyone in the state has access to the essentials in this challenging time — food, shelter, safety and social support — and that at-risk groups are protected.

This has included:

• Measures to combat homelessness and support women and children escaping domestic and family violence.
• Critical support for people experiencing food insecurity, including increased charity funding for foodbanks. 
• A $600,000 funding pool for organisations creating programs that foster social inclusion for seniors. 
• Increased funding to mental health services including Lifeline’s operations in NSW.

Last updated: 11 May 2020