CYCLONE SEROJA —
DISASTER RECOVERY FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS
84. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier:
I
refer to the Premier's announcement of 9 May 2021 that grants of $4 000
will be made available to small businesses and residents severely
impacted by cyclone Seroja.
(1) What is the
specific financial and geographical criteria for a small businesses and for
residents to access the $4 000 grant, and will the Premier table the criteria?
(2) Which small businesses will be
eligible to apply for the $4 000 grant?
(3) What is the government's applicable
definition of a ''small business'' deeming it eligible to apply
for the grant?
(4) How was the figure of the $4 000
grant arrived at or calculated?
(5) Who will be
assessing the grant applications, and what right of appeal does a small
business have in the decision-making process?
(6) Is the grant a tax-free payment
for small businesses?
Hon SUE
ELLERY replied:
(1) Further
details of the application process will be available shortly, as highlighted in
the media statement released on Sunday, 9 May.
(2) As noted in
the media statement, the sectors will include, for example, small retailers
such as specialty shops, hairdressers and bakeries; tourism businesses,
including tour operators and fishing boat charters; and hospitality venues
including accommodation providers, cafes, restaurants and pubs.
(3) See the answer to (1).
(4) The $4 000
grant aligns with the support to residents for loss or significant damage to
homes and recent assistance in response to the Wooroloo bushfires.
(5) See the answer to (1).
(6) The tax
treatment is a commonwealth matter. However, the grants are expected to be
tax-free in accordance with other disaster relief payments to individuals and
businesses.