With the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic having significant implications across Australian society – including for individuals and businesses in the manufacturing sector – here is a round-up of this week’s key developments for Australian manufacturing.

  • The Federal Government has launched a new Jobs Hub to support businesses and those Australians looking for work. While many businesses have been adversely affected by COVID-19 and are reducing workforces, some areas of the economy have increased demand for workers. Jobs Hub provides information on current employment opportunities, what’s happening in our labour market, and jobs that are in demand. dese.gov.au/covid-19/jobs-hub
  • For businesses in Victoria, the State Government has launched the $500m Business Support Fund to help small businesses survive the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and keep people in work. Find out more here: business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/business-support-fund
  • The Queensland State Government has set up a web portal designed to keep manufacturing supply chains amid the ongoing coronavirus situation. The portal aims allows manufacturers and suppliers to register what they need and what is available. For details, see: dsdmip.qld.gov.au/index.php/industry/industry-support-dsd/manufacturer-s-supply-matching-request-form/view/form
  • Industry Capability Network (ICN) has launched a new ICN COVID-19 Response App, which provides software that can protect workers from the threat of coronavirus through a simple questionnaire that screens anyone that interacts with your company for symptoms of the virus. The simple-to-use application is available FREE to all small businesses (50 employees or less), charity groups and not-for-profit organisations. Find out more about ICN’s COVID-19 Response Application at: icn.spresponse.com.au
  • The Australian Banking Association has announced that customers who have been granted a six-month deferral on loan repayments after being impacted by the COVID-19 crisis will not have their credit rating affected as a result. ausbanking.org.au/a-covid-19-mortgage-deferral-wont-affect-your-credit-rating
  • In support of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has made freely available a range of ISO standards around personal protective equipment (PPE), respirators and other medical equipment. For details, see: iso.org/covid19
  • AMTIL corporate partner William Buck has published a useful set of FAQs regarding the JobKeeper Payment for Employers scheme, announced by the Federal Government on 30 March. Find out more at: williambuck.com/faqs-on-jobkeeper-payment-for-employers

AMTIL is regularly updating its dedicated Coronavirus page on the AMTIL website, with an extensive listing of the most reliable, authoritative sources of information, advice and support for manufacturers. Access it here: www.amtil.com.au/coronavirus

In addition, several of AMTIL’s Corporate Partners have created dedicated resource pages offering information and advice on various aspects of the crisis:

We are also posting frequent updates on our AMT News pages, as well as to our social media feeds (see the links at the bottom of our website).

The COVID-19 crisis continues to evolve rapidly with new information emerging all the time. AMTIL strongly advises all our members and the wider manufacturing community to monitor events closely, and take the appropriate measures to stay safe.