Rapid blood test startup Atomo Diagnostics is playing its part in the fight against coronavirus, signing a deal with French diagnostics company, NG Biotech, to supply up 2.465 million of its rapid, blood-based COVID-19 tests in 2020. The sale landed as the Sydney-based healthtech venture’s $30 million Initial Public Offer was oversubscribed at 20 cents per… Read more »
Childcare will be free for parents working to keep society functioning through the coronavirus shutdown – as well as those who’ve taken their child out of care but want to keep the place – under new subsidies announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Around one million families in 13,000 childcare and early learning centres… Read more »
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller says the state’s tough social distancing and isolation laws will remain in place for at least 90 days, taking the restrictions to June 29. On Monday, the NSW government increased restrictions on freedom of movement in a bid to reduce the further spread of COVID-19, also ramping up the… Read more »
Another threat SMEs need to deal with while focusing on the impact coronavirus is cybersecurity, especially as people work from home. Tech and accountancy business MYOB says cybersecurity is a key risk smaller businesses often don’t pay attention to. MYOB Head of Product, SME, Dale Dixon says companies and their staff need clear guidelines on… Read more »
Australia’s startup sector has reacted favourably to the Morrison government’s $130 billion economic stimulus package, announced on Monday. The government will pay a $750 a week wage subsidy to businesses who retain workers over the next six months. The program also applies to sole traders. “We will pay employers to keep paying their employees, and… Read more »
The economic crisis brought on by COVID-19 is unlike anything the startup sector and broader business community experienced before. The economic rule book has been thrown out the window and Australian government’s response reflects gravity of the situation, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison announcing a massive $130 billion stimulus package yesterday, worth 11% of annual… Read more »
Workers will receive $1500-per-fortnight ‘JobKeeper’ wage subsidy for the next 6 months It applies to businesses losing a minimum 30% of income (50% for revenue over $1bn) The ATO will manage the scheme through Single Touch Payroll The flat rate payment applies to people employed at March 1 (provided they are reinstated if subsequently… Read more »
Australian banks are expanding their program of six-month loan deferrals to larger companies, offering relief on up to $250 billion in business borrowing. The major banks are backing the Australian Banking Association’s (ABA) extended Business Support Package to 98% of all businesses with a loan from an Australian bank, increasing the existing $3 million small… Read more »
A member of staff at logistics technology company GetSwift (ASX: GSW) has died from COVID-19, the New York headquartered, ASX-listed startup said. CEO Bane Hunter wrote to colleagues and shareholders today saying they are devastated and saddened at the news. Hunter said they would not release the name of the person, believed to be in… Read more »
Victoria is moving to “stage three” shutdown restrictions as the state’s coronavirus infection rate climbs past 800 cases. Premier Daniel Andrews is moving to give the state the legal framework to implement the national measures announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday night, including a limit of no more than two people gathered… Read more »
Workers will receive $1500-per-fortnight ‘JobKeeper’ wage subsidy for the next 6 months It applies to businesses losing a minimum 30% of income (50% for revenue over $1bn) The ATO will manage the scheme through Single Touch Payroll The flat rate payment applies to people employed at March 1 (provided they are reinstated if subsequently… Read more »
The Morrison Government has launched Coronavirus Australia, a new app for official COVID-19 information, as well as a Whatsapp feature, partnering with Facebook and Atlassian to produce it. Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the launch of the app during a $1.1 billion commitment to additional telehealth, mental health, domestic violence and emergency relief services on… Read more »
$669m is for telehealth – online consultations with GPs and other health services $74m is for mental health amid concerns about the impact of self-isolation $150m is for domestic and family violence support following a 75% spike in online searches A new government app offers advice, the latest news and other support $200 is for… Read more »
People arriving in Australia from midnight March 30 will be forced to quarantine in designated hotels in the capital cities The Army will be sent to assist local police in ensuring quarantine measures are observed More economic stimulus is coming, including plans to ‘hibernate’ businesses to emerge from the shutdown State and territory leaders are… Read more »
These are strange times we live in. The global COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a new reality for all of us, with businesses reeling most from the impact and introducing significant changes. Many workforces across the world have turned to remote working, as travel restrictions and work-from-home directives are now widespread and mandated. Airwallex’s China office… Read more »
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