THE Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITWF) have condemned the "brutal treatment of more than 15,000 international crew from more than 50 nationalities engaged in the cruise ship industry in Australian waters".

Last week, the union and the federation wrote to Prime Minister Scott Morrison asking for "the same level of cooperation that industry unions and government have engaged in across Australia in response to this terrible pandemic".

"We had asked for leadership and a humanitarian response to stranded seafarers drifting around the Australian coast," a union spokesperson said.

"Instead Morrison reverts to type and has ordered all ships to leave Australian waters without any regard for the health, safety, dignity, or for the future safety of 15,000 international workers.

"Ordering flag of convenience ships back to their home ports demonstrates no understanding of the industry and sets a fully crewed flotilla adrift at the worst possible time.

"The Morrison Government’s reckless and heartless treatment of international workers will put the safety of Australian cruise ship workers at risk in other countries."

ends

SMALL BUSINESSES struggling to cope with the COVID-19 crisis do not have to suffer alone, with the new and improved My Business Health offering dedicated holistic support to employers and sole traders.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell said the My Business Health web portal had been re-designed to walk small business owners and sole traders through the practical steps they need to take to keep their businesses afloat.

My Business Health also takes a tailored approach – in partnership with leading mental health organisation Beyond Blue –to support small business owners through this very difficult period.

“Small businesses are under enormous pressure right now, with many forced to close their doors and others unsure how they will survive the coming months,” Ms Carnell said.

“In addition to providing small businesses and sole traders with a very simple guide to what assistance is available to them, My Business Health also links to Beyond Blue’s new dedicated coronavirus mental health support service."

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator Michaelia Cash, said the Morrison Government was committed to ensuring support to small businesses during this challenging time.

“There’s no question Australians are doing it tough right now, and on top of the financial assistance available to small businesses, we want to make sure the small business operators have the necessary mental health support as well,” Senator Cash said.

Ms Carnell encouraged the Australian small business community to take stock this Easter long weekend.

“This is a very difficult and uncertain time, but I want small businesses and sole traders to know that they are not alone. There is help at hand for those that need it," she said.

“Now is the time to focus on looking after yourself, because your business ultimately depends on you. Visiting My Business Health is an excellent starting point.”

Beyond Blue’s Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service is now live at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au

ends

THE United Services Union has commended the NSW Government for securing the future of council-run childcare services with an $82 million funding boost, saying the move has provided certainty for parents and staff during the current health crisis.

Local government is the largest provider of childcare services in NSW, but the exclusion of councils from the Federal Government’s $1,500 per fortnight JobKeeper payment threatened to cause the closure of hundreds of centres due to a major funding shortfall.

The NSW Government’s funding package for local councils will ensure these centres can remain open to provide care for the children of essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

The USU, which represents local government employees in NSW, commended Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock for genuinely listening to the concerns of the sector and providing urgent funding to keep centres operating.

“When the Federal Government announced their childcare package, it quickly became clear that the decision to exclude local government from the JobKeeper component left a massive budget hole that would force hundreds of childcare centres to close their doors,” USU general secretary Graeme Kelly said.

“The Minister for Local Government listened to those concerns, met with the industry unions and Local Government Association NSW, and took immediate action to fund this shortfall, ensuring council-run facilities will receive the same level of support as private providers.

“The ongoing provision of safe, high-quality childcare by local government is vitally important, allowing families with young children to keep our hospitals, schools, supermarkets, and supply chains operating during this crisis.

“As the largest provider of childcare services in NSW, councils are playing a vital role in supporting local communities through the current health crisis.”

But Mr Kelly warned that other essential services provided by local government remained at risk, highlighting the need for the Federal Government to provide a stimulus package to the sector.

“While the future of childcare has been secured, many other essential services provided by councils remain at risk in the current crisis, which is why the Federal Government needs to urgently develop a stimulus package for local government,” he said.

“This should include a review of the decision to leave councils out of the JobKeeper arrangements, along with financial assistance to enable councils to support their communities by preserving jobs.

“These steps should be combined with a direction to local councils to retain all current full-time, part time and casual employees, with training and redeployment allowing them to provide essential community services during the current pandemic.”

ends

THE Federal Government’s JobKeeper bills that received Royal Assent and are now law will enable the delivery of critical financial relief for the hundreds of thousands of businesses and millions of workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and help will speed up the nation’s economic recovery.

CPA Australia spokesperson Paul Drum said this was a moment that will go down in history as one of the most important suites of legislation and associated instruments this century for the benefit of businesses, workers and their families,  and the economic security of the nation.

“In these unprecedented times, the legislation introduces wide ranging powers for both the Treasurer and the Tax Commissioner," Mr Drum said.

"The Treasurer now has the power to determine amounts, recipients and thresholds for the scheme, and to subdelegate the power to issue legislative or administrative instruments to the Commissioner until 31 December 2020. Importantly, this will enable nuances to be fixed and for calibration where necessary.

“It is important to acknowledge and commend the bi-partisan approach taken by the major parties to enable the speedy passage of this critical legislation,” he said.

"We look forward to working with the Treasurer, the ATO and other relevant government agencies as we now move into the delivery phase of the fiscal stimulus and survival measures."

More information can be found on these links:

CPA Australia COVID-19 resources

Coronavirus Economic Response Package (Payments and Benefits) Bill 2020

Treasury

ATO COVID-19 site

About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is one of the world's largest accounting bodies, with more than 165,000 members working in 100 countries and regions and supported by 19 offices globally. Our core services to members include education, training, technical support and advocacy. Employees and members work together with local and international bodies to represent the views and concerns of the profession to governments, regulators, industries, academia and the community.  cpaaustralia.com.au

ends