Mr DULUK (Waite) (15:34): Last Saturday, we commemorated one of our most important
national occasions, and of course that is ANZAC Day. Whilst we stood apart, all Australians stood
together in spirit to honour our ANZACs and thank them and those who have served and continue to
serve and, indeed, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our nation. With our
candles, torches and iPhones at the end of our driveways and by laying wreaths at memorials, we
paused to remember the dedication, courage and mateship of those soldiers who took part in the
first major military campaign of Australian forces in World War I—and that was the Gallipoli landing
on 25 April 1915.

On 25 April, we commemorate one of our most important national occasions: ANZAC Day.

Join us on your driveway at 6am this Saturday, and together we can Light up the Dawn with the ANZAC Spirit

Dear Mr Keelty, 

Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission to the South Australian 2019-2020 Bushfire Review. 

I would first like to express my sincere gratitude to all the Country Fire Service (CFS) volunteers, emergency services personnel, healthcare workers, support staff and our resilient communities for their outstanding efforts during the devastating 2019-2020 bushfire season.  

Local CFS volunteers from the Waite electorate found themselves at Yorketown, Cudlee Creek and Kangaroo Island as well as interstate deployments during this past season.

Support from the Australian Government

 If you employ staff, you may be eligible for:

JobKeeper payments for your employees

• If your business has been significantly impacted by the Coronavirus you will be able to access a wages subsidy to continue paying your employees.
• Under the JobKeeper program, you will be able to claim a fortnightly payment of $1,500 per eligible employee from 30 March 2020, for a maximum of six months.
• This assistance will help you keep staff and will help you restart when the crisis is over.

More information: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/businesses

Temporary cash flow support

• Employers will receive a payment equal to 100 per cent of their salary and wages withheld (up from 50 per cent), with the maximum payment being increased from $25,000 to $50,000 and the minimum payment increased from $2,000 to $10,000.
• An additional payment is also being introduced equal to the total of all of the Boosting Cash Flow for Employers payments received. This means that eligible businesses will receive at least $20,000 up to a total of $100,000 under both payments. Not-for-profit entities will also be eligible.
• The payment will be delivered by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as a credit in the activity statement system from 28 April 2020 upon businesses lodging eligible upcoming activity statements.

More information: https://www.business.gov.au/Risk-management/Emergency-management/Coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/Boosting-cash-flow-for-employers

Casual employees

• If you employ a casual employee and they can’t work because they become sick or need to self-isolate, or their income has been otherwise impacted by the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus, they may be eligible for income support payments (also see JobKeeper payment information above)
• The Government is making these payments quicker to access by waiving the usual waiting period in certain circumstances. Information on income support is available on the Services Australia website.

More information: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/affected-coronavirus-covid-19/people-who-dont-get-payment-from-us-coronavirus-covid-19

Other employees affected by COVID-19

• If your staff are impacted by the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus, they may be eligible for income support payments. Information on income support is available on the Services Australia website.

More information: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/affected-coronavirus-covid-19

SME Guarantee Scheme & Supporting Flow of Credit

• This will provide businesses with funding to meet immediate cash flow needs, by further enhancing lenders’ willingness and ability to provide credit.
• Under the Scheme, the Government will guarantee 50 per cent of new loans issued by eligible lenders to SMEs. Businesses with a turnover of up to $50 million will be eligible to receive these loans.
• The Government will provide eligible lenders with a guarantee for loans with the following terms:
• Maximum total size of loans of $250,000 per borrower.
• The loans will be up to three years, with an initial six-month repayment holiday.
• The loans will be in the form of unsecured finance, meaning that borrowers will not have to provide an asset as security for the loan.

More information: https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-03/Fact_sheet-Supporting_the_flow_of_credit_1.pdf

If you're a sole trader you may be eligible for:

JobKeeper payments

• If your business has been significantly impacted by the Coronavirus you may be able to access a wages subsidy.
• Under the JobKeeper program, you will be able to claim a fortnightly payment of $1,500 per eligible employee from 30 March 2020, for a maximum of six months.

More information: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/businesses

The increased instant asset write-off

• Under normal circumstances, individual assets less than $30,000 are eligible for the instant asset write off. The Government has lifted this threshold to $150,000 for assets that are either installed or ready for first use by 30 June 2020.

More information: https://www.business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/instant-asset-write-off

Accelerated depreciation deduction arrangements (Backing Business Investment)

• A time limited 15-month investment incentive (through to 30 June 2021) to support business investment and economic growth over the short term, by accelerating depreciation deductions.
• Businesses with a turnover of less than $500 million will be able to deduct 50 per cent of the cost of an eligible asset on installation, with existing depreciation rules applying to the balance of the asset’s cost.

More information: https://www.business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/backing-business-investment-bbi

  Increased and accelerated income support

• The Government is temporarily expanding eligibility to income support payments and establishing a new, time-limited Coronavirus supplement to be paid at a rate of $550 per fortnight.
• This supplement will be paid to both existing and new recipients of the eligible payment categories. These changes will apply for the next six months.

More information: https://www.business.gov.au/Risk-management/Emergency-management/Coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/Increased-and-accelerated-income-support

Assistance for affected regions, communities and industries

• The Government has created an initial $1 billion support fund to provide assistance to industries and regions severely affected by the economic impacts of coronavirus.

More information: https://www.business.gov.au/Risk-management/Emergency-management/Coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/Assistance-for-severely-affected-regions-communities-and-industries

Additional support for businesses

Temporary relief for financially distressed businesses

• There is a temporary increase to the threshold at which creditors can issue a statutory demand on a company and the time companies have to respond to statutory demands they receive.
• This includes temporary relief for directors from any personal liability for trading while insolvent and providing temporary flexibility in the Corporations Act 2001 to provide temporary and targeted relief from provisions of the Act.

More information: https://www.business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/temporary-relief-for-financially-distressed-businesses

Support for existing government program participants and applicants

• If you're an existing government program grantee and have been impacted by the coronavirus, you may be eligible to seek additional time to meet your reporting obligations or to complete your project.

More information: https://www.business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/support-for-existing-government-program-participants-and-applicants

Australian Taxation Office

• The Australian Tax Office (ATO) is providing relief for some tax obligations for businesses affected by the outbreak, on a case-by-case basis. Contact the ATO’s Emergency Support Infoline for businesses on 1800 806 218for more information or to request this help.

More information: https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Dealing-with-disasters/In-detail/Specific-disasters/COVID-19/

 Government’s Business Hotline

• Government’s Business Hotline - 13 28 46 / business.gov.au - will be expanded to provide specialist advisers and extended hours to support small and medium businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Department of Treasury and Finance COVD-19 Hotline (02) 6263 3030

• Call this line if you are seeking information about the implementation of the cash flow assistance and investment support for business (this line operates Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm AEST).

Small Business Commissioner

• The Small Business Commissioner is working with the Government, which is considering and implementing measures to support the South Australian community. Businesses facing particular issues or disputes in terms of their banks, their rental premises, suppliers or other business parties are encouraged to contact the Commissioner on 08 8303 2026 or 1800 072 722.

Fair Work Ombudsman

• The Fair Work Ombudsman has a help line to deal with pay and industrial relations matters. Call 13 13 94 or visit their website fairwork.gov.au.

Australian banks

• The Australian Banking Association has announced that Australian banks will defer loan repayments for small businesses affected by COVID-19 for 6 months.

For more information, see https://www.ausbanking.org.au/banks-small-business-relief-package/

• Please contact your own bank or financial institution for more information on assistance they can provide.

Continuing your business

• Learn about the positive steps you can take to keep your business operating and where to go for help.

Please visit https://www.business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/continuing-your-business

For updated information and advice on Australian Government  support measures, please visit
https://www.business.gov.au/Risk-management/Emergency-management/Coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business

Support from the South Australian Government

$10,000 Emergency Cash Grants for Small Business

• Small businesses and not-for-profit entities that employ South Australians who have been highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible to receive a $10,000 grant to support the operation of their business.
• The cash grants will be available to help cover a business’ ongoing or outstanding operating costs, such as rent, power bills, supplier and raw materials costs and other fees.
• To be eligible, businesses and not-for-profits including eligible sporting and community organisations will need to:
  • Employ people in South Australia.
  • Have annual turnover of more than $75,000 (GST exclusive).
  • Have an annual payroll of less than $1.5 million, and not be entitled to a payroll tax waiver  under COVID-19 support measures introduced by the South Australian Government.
  • Have an ABN and were carrying on the operation of the business in South Australia on 1 March 2020.
  • Have been subject to closure or highly impacted by COVID-19 related restrictions^.
  • Apply by 1 June 2020.
  • Use the funds to support activities related to the operation of the business.

• If the business has received any South Australian Government grants provided to address COVID-19 related business impacts, the value of these payment(s) will be deducted from the $10,000 grant.
• If the business is part of a group of companies that is registered for payroll tax and will receive the payroll tax waiver, the business is ineligible for this grant.

• Applications for the grant will open shortly and be available until 1 June 2020.
• If you would like to register your interestfor the grant please visit this website. You will receive an email when the application process opens.

_{^ Businesses eligible for the Commonwealth JobKeeper payment will be deemed to be highly impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.}

Payroll tax relief

• 6-month waiver for all businesses with an annual payroll (grouped) up to $4 million
• Eligible businesses won’t have to pay any payroll tax from April to September 2020
• This measure is expected to assist up to 2,400 businesses and save them up to $84,000 over the six months (average saving $25,000)
• Employers with grouped annual wages above $4 million able to defer payroll tax payments for 6 months on demonstration of significant impacts on cash flow of coronavirus

More information: https://business.sa.gov.au/COVID-19-business-information-and-support/Economic-response-package

Land tax relief

• From July, the Government’s land tax reforms will kick in
• Under the new measures, individuals and businesses with outstanding quarterly bills for 2019-20 can defer payments for 6 months (up to 28,000 private land tax ownerships will benefit)
• For 2020-21 Land Tax Transition Fund relief will be increased from 50% to 100% based on existing relief criteria guidelines – saving some investors up to $50,000

More information: https://business.sa.gov.au/COVID-19-business-information-and-support/Economic-response-package

Emergency land tax relief

• Eligible landlords will be offered a 25 per cent reduction on their 2019-20 land tax liability on affected properties. Landlords will be required to pass on the full benefit to their tenants impacted by COVID-19 restrictions
• More information and applications for this land tax relief can be submitted by the end of June 2020 at www.revenuesa.sa.gov.au/ltcovid19relief

Rent

• A 6-month moratorium on evictions due to unpaid rent arising from severe financial distress as a result of the pandemic is in place
• There is also a temporary freeze on rent increases for the private market

Waiver of liquor licence fees

• Liquor licence fees will be waived for 2020-21 for those hotels, restaurants, cafes and clubs forced to close as a result of new social distancing restrictions

More information: https://business.sa.gov.au/COVID-19-business-information-and-support/Economic-response-package

Business and Jobs Support Fund

• A $300 million fund to support individual businesses and industry sectors directly affected by coronavirus, and face potential collapse – and the loss of thousands of jobs – as a result
• For more information on how to apply for the Fund, please email: BusinessandJobsSupportFund@sa.gov.au

Community and Jobs Fund

• A $250 million fund to support community organisations, sporting, arts and recreational bodies, non-profit organisations as well as some industry sectors whose operations have been impacted by the coronavirus
• This Fund will also help with the training of South Australians seeking new skills and employment and to assist organisations meet increased demand for services including emergency relief.

• For more information on how to apply for the Fund, please email: CommunityandJobsSupportFund@sa.gov.au

Employees affected by COVID-19

• There will be a once-off boost of $500 and the bringing forward of the 2020-21 ‘Cost of Living Concession’ for households who are receiving the Centrelink JobSeeker Payment, assisting those who are unemployed or lose their jobs as a result of the coronavirus restrictions
• For eligible homeowners, their 2020-21 payment of $215.10 will now become $715.10. Eligible tenants will receive $607.60.

$350m stimulus package from the South Australian Government

• The $350 million stimulus package aims to safeguard the state’s economy and minimise the economic impacts of the COVID-19 global crisis. This state-wide response includes road and hospital upgrades, new tourism infrastructure and an expanded Economic and Business Growth Fund to support local industry.
• Projects to be funded under the Government’s economic stimulus package must meet certain criteria, including the ability to start works within a short period of time, they must be labour-intensive and/or require significant local purchasing of materials, services and supplies.
• The State Government is also working with councils to deliver $50 million of local projects that will support local jobs and local businesses.

Further information on the Economic and Business Growth Fund can be found at: https://www.treasury.sa.gov.au/Growing-South-Australia/economic-and-business-growth-fund

For updated information on South Australian Government  support measures, please visit
https://business.sa.gov.au/COVID-19-business-information-and-support

Mr DULUK (Waite) (12:39): I also rise to make a few comments on the COVID-19 Emergency Response Bill 2020. As we all know, the coronavirus has had an unprecedented impact on all Australians. COVID-19 has changed our lives: we will not be commemorating ANZAC Day this year in our usual manner; businesses have closed; many Australians are out of work; footy, whether it be grassroots footy or the AFL, has been postponed; Easter religious ceremonies are being celebrated via live stream; and our school system is traversing very difficult waters for both teachers and students at the moment.

Except for those Australians who have lived through conflicts and world wars, for most of us this is the very first time that our everyday lives have been impacted to such a degree. Understandably, there is significant concern and anxiety throughout the entire community, but I am confident, as all of us are in this house, that if we continue to play our small part and work together we will get through this. As Her Majesty The Queen said on Sunday, 'We will succeed'.

Obviously, we found out this morning that a South Australian passed away as a result of COVID-19. Losing a loved one, as we all know, is very difficult, but to lose a loved one to COVID-19 must be truly distressing. Not being able to celebrate that person's life in the usual manner and the nature of the death must be terribly heartbreaking, so my condolences to that family.

I would also like to offer my sincere gratitude to all South Australians who are working hard on the front line to tackle this coronavirus. Thank you to our healthcare workers at the COVID-19 testing clinics, at hospitals, GP clinics and all other health facilities. Thank you to Associate Professor Nicola Spurrier and her SA Health team for leading us through this crisis. It is fantastic to see SA Health utilising vital community assets such as the Repat site in leading the way for drive-through testing for COVID-19.

To all members of SAPOL, thank you. To those who work in emergency services, thank you. Thank you to the teachers and the childcare workers across the state. Thank you to the staff at all our aged-care facilities who are looking after our vulnerable South Australians, especially those in aged care, where they have to socially isolate and, further to that, cannot be visited by family and friends; it is extremely difficult.

Thank you to the staff in our supermarkets during these times of extra demand. To echo the words of the Prime Minister, I think we all need to calm down when it comes to the issue of buying toilet paper. We manufacture toilet paper in South Australia, at Millicent. There is plenty for everyone, and I think as South Australians we must ensure, especially on this issue, that we apply our common sense. Thank you to all the South Australians who are assisting in dealing with this pandemic. To all of you, I pass on the gratitude of the people of Waite. You are the front line of protecting the most vulnerable in our society and keeping us all safe as a community.

As I said and as has been mentioned today, it has been a very difficult couple of weeks and months for many South Australians, especially those who feel socially isolated, are out of work, have closed their businesses or whose future is uncertain as a result of COVID-19. We have seen unprecedented change, and we have seen it evolve rapidly. So many businesses in my electorate have been adversely impacted, forced to close or have lost their jobs due to the regulations put in place to keep our community safe.

It is an incredible sacrifice for all employers and employees, particularly small businesses, mum-and-dad enterprises that work tirelessly day and night and struggle at the best of times. Unfortunately, this is not the best of times, as we are seeing more unemployment, businesses close and a sharp increase in financial stress experienced by South Australians. There has also been an increase in break-ins at local businesses in my community, and just around the corner from my office, as recently as a couple of days ago. In fact, these callous acts are making a terrible situation worse at a time when we are seeing many unoccupied retail spaces throughout our communities.

We should be lifting each other up at this time, not tearing each other down. As South Australians, we all have a role to play in that regard. This is why I think the support from the Australian government and our state government is indeed welcome and timely and, dare I say, visionary. The federal government's total support for the economy is $320 billion across the forward estimates. The stimulus packages, JobKeeper payments and other measures will help to secure as many jobs as possible and support workers, businesses and the wider community during a time of unforeseen challenges to our economy. Steven Hamilton, a visiting scholar at ANU, has said that the JobKeeper initiative 'will keep many businesses afloat and connected to their employees, which are critical to a speedy recovery.'

It is also vitally important that people have jobs. Work and what work means to so many people is important. It keeps communities strong and society even stronger. Allowing that connection to remain between employees and employers, people feeling useful and making a contribution to our economy, to our community and to our society is so important.

I am particularly heartened to see the new Jobs Hub site, which helps connect Australian jobseekers with job opportunities in a range of industries. While, unfortunately, many businesses are reducing their workforce, other areas need more workers to meet demands in their particular sector. Connecting workers with available jobs during this significant downturn is essential to keeping our economy going and it is essential to ensuring we can continue to meet consumer demand.

For the last few weeks there has been a lot of discussion around the community and the business sector in regard to the treatment of rental agreements between landlords and tenants. It is good to see that this is being formalised in the bill before us today. These measures will provide certainty for commercial and residential tenants and landlords during such an uncertain time. Among other measures, landlords cannot evict or increase the rent for tenants who are suffering financial hardship as a result of coronavirus. In the case of commercial leases, the Small Business Commissioner can be called on, in the event of mediation, as to whether or not a tenant is suffering financial hardship.

I know a lot of businesses in my electorate will be grateful for these proposed measures. We are seeing the rollout of this as of today, but I sense this is very much a work in progress. How a strip shop in suburban Adelaide is treated and how it goes about negotiating with its landlord will be very different from how a tenant in a Westfield site negotiates with the landlord. This is very different from landlords who rely on rental payments as their only source of income.

Of course, they may have significant financial debt on their business structures as well. I think this is going to be a very fluid arrangement. Certainly, I have no doubt the government, and especially the Small Business Commissioner, where possible, will be looking to do the right thing by everyone involved. As business owners worry about a loss of income, their employees' welfare and the unknown future, it is of some comfort to know that they do not have to be concerned about rent at this time. I think that will be well received across the board.

The bill also addresses a wide array of matters that are essential to keeping our state running and supporting those who need assistance. This includes protections for residents of supported residential facilities to help ensure that they are not left homeless during this critical time. The member for Hurtle Vale touched on that in her contribution. We have many homeless in our community.

It is wonderful to see the government and the not-for-profit sector reaching out at the moment. What we are seeing now is a change in attitude and a change of policy. As we come out of COVID-19, I am sure there are better ways in which we can look after those who are homeless, those who are marginalised and those who suffer the stigma of mental illness. This package also provides for the streamlined ability of the state government to pass on financial support to those who need it most.

During the recent bushfire season, affected Australians were sometimes left waiting extended periods of time before receiving financial aid from government. I welcome the government's move to streamline this process to help those impacted by coronavirus. I stress that these measures throughout the omnibus bill are meant to address the adverse impacts of COVID-19 on our community and on our Australian way of life. I would expect temporary measures and changes that are being proposed to revert back to the normal course and naturally to be reviewed at the conclusion of any COVID-19 declarations.

With this bill, South Australians are placing enormous responsibility into a few very specific hands. This power and responsibility for the passing of any emergency measures needs to be used cautiously and carefully for the benefit of our people. Parliament must always remain sovereign, as it is parliament that is responsible to the people.

I understand that the member for Florey is proposing a series of amendments, which have my broad support, especially in relation to the termination of emergency powers under the bill. In the amendments, I believe this means that if the government believes the emergency provisions in this bill require extension beyond six months, then parliament will have to reauthorise that by further legislation. This is an addition to other aspects of the bill, which make it clear that the powers that have been granted in this bill must not continue beyond the extent of the emergency declarations under the Emergency Management Act and, indeed, the other acts covered in this omnibus bill.

We all have our part to play. While the response to COVID-19 here in Australia is one that is driven by our national and state governments, it really comes down to the part played by each person in their own home and within their own community. In these challenging times it is important that we, as a community, continue to support each other as best we can. I really want to encourage South Australians to continue to shop locally and support local businesses and, importantly, local jobs. It is also important that we stay in touch with family and friends. Being physically distant does not mean we should become socially disconnected. Looking after our mental health and physical health is so important.

With just over 400 confirmed cases in South Australia, I am proud of the efforts of all South Australians to stop the spread. However, we cannot be complacent; we must all play a part in doing what is best for our families, our community and our country. The sooner we can do this, the sooner we will be able to be on the other side of this crisis. I am confident that by working together we can achieve this.

Sam Duluk MP today welcomed the announcement by the Department of Planning, Transport, and Infrastructure of the $400,000 Blythewood Road Pedestrian Crossing and Painted Median project.

This project will see the pedestrian crossing on Blythewood Road, adjacent to Scotch College upgraded to a pedestrian actuated (push button) crossing.

A painted median scheme will also be installed on Blythewood Road between Old Belair Road and Thorpe Street, which will separate traffic and provide sheltered right turn lanes into side roads, reducing the risk of rear end collisions.

“First as a candidate for the seat of Waite I fought for an upgrade to Blythewood Road, then as the Member for Waite I have worked with community stakeholders to push for and now deliver this vital project. The announcement from the Department means pedestrians and commuters in our community can get to school and work safely” said Mr Duluk.

Following completion of the works, a full-time bike lane will operate on the northern side of Blythewood Road and a part-time bike lane will operate on the southern side of Blythewood Road during peak hours.

Construction is expected to commence mid-April and be completed in May, weather permitting.

“I will continue to advocate for vital infrastructure upgrades that will make our community safer and improve traffic efficiency, such as the $20 million pledged to upgrade the Mitcham Hills road corridor” said Mr Duluk.

More information about this project can be found at www.dpti.sa.gov.au/blythewood_road

Sam Duluk MP welcomes the State Government’s announcement that they will establish a pilot to trial the use of medicinal cannabis in treatment for epilepsy in children.

The Governor’s recent speech to parliament confirmed the establishment of the trial for children who are not responding to other treatment.

“This is welcome news to many South Australians and their families who experience the chronic and debilitating health impacts of living with epilepsy”, said Member for Waite, Sam Duluk.

“For years I have been advocating for improved support for these families and have previously called for our state to consider medicinal cannabis as a treatment option.

“I hope that the trial will help South Australian children with epilepsy and will contribute to the evidence base to support the use of medicinal cannabis products.

“One in 25 people will have epilepsy at some point during their lifetime. Many are able to live full and productive lives through the use of medication and lifestyle changes.

“Positive steps towards improved care management have the potential to assist many South Australians and I look forward to the results of the pilot.”

As part of the 2018/2019 State Budget, funding for a feasibility study into the Craigburn Farm Western Bypass was allocated. This was a partnership project between the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and the City of Mitcham Council.

To view the Craigburn Farm Western Bypass Feasibility Study copy and paste this link into a web browser: https://www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/future-city/key-projects/craigburn-farm-western-bypass-feasibility-study

This study forms the initial stages for investigating the feasibility for a Western Bypass.

The recommendations from the study are not representative of the formal positions of either the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure or of the City of Mitcham.

If you would like to discuss the study, please contact my office by calling 8278 5844 or via email at waite@parliament.sa.gov.au.