The ACT Government has announced more than $200 million in additional measures to keep businesses and households afloat in Canberra during the coronavirus pandemic.
The measures include money to construct a field hospital at or near Canberra Hospital to expand its emergency department, an easing of taxes on landlords if they provide relief to tenants doing it tough, and a fund to ensure Government directorates keep employing people.
Several of the measures aim to incentivise both commercial and residential landlords to lower rents for households and businesses affected by the pandemic.
All general rates notices will be delayed by four weeks in an attempt to take immediate pressure off households.
Homeowners with a household income of less than $160,000 will also be able to defer their rates for 12 months, if they have suffered at least a 25 per cent drop in their income due to COVID-19.
Meanwhile residential landlords, whose tenants have been impacted, will be offered rebates if they agree to lower rents by at least 25 per cent.
"The Government will provide a 50-50 matching arrangement with landlords. We will provide direct tax relief to landlords, to the equivalent of around $100 per week," Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.
"With landlords matching that, tenants could expect to save up to $200 a week in their rents, if they are impacted by COVID-19.
"If your income hasn't changed, you should still pay your rent."
Similar measures have been introduced on commercial properties, with the aim of spreading the financial pain between tenants, landlords, and the Government.
Additional support would be determined on a case-by-case basis, Mr Barr said.
"We have the capacity to deliver a case-by-case, business-by-business tailored approach to assist those who are most dramatically impacted by the circumstances we now face," he said.
The announcement detailed the second tranche of measures designed to limit the impact of COVID-19 on the territory.
A $137 million package was unveiled two weeks ago, which gave limited rates rebates to homes and businesses, and provided direct cash payments to public housing tenants.
Clubs can give up pokies for funding
A $20 million "Jobs for Canberrans" fund will also be introduced, to be used by the ACT public service.
It will allow government directorates to employ people on a short-term basis to undertake specific tasks.
"It wont be the last economic support package we provide … but it represents the next important step," Mr Barr said.
Other measures include the waiving of payroll tax for businesses shut down by the Government, the waiving of some business fees, and a $5,000 payment to private taxi drivers.
Community clubs will be able to surrender poker machines in exchange for $15,000 for every machine authorisation given up, provided that the extra money go towards retaining and supporting staff.
