Financial and tax assistance

ASIC

If you're facing financial hardship, you may be able to make payment arrangements with ASIC for your fees. In some cases, they may also waive your fees.

Visit ASIC Bushfire Relief for more information and to access the online application form.

ATO

The ATO can re-issue lost or damaged tax documents and allow bushfire-affected businesses to adjust their tax payment obligations. For more information, visit ATO bushfire support or call 1800 806 218.

Council rates relief

If you own a farm or property that has suffered damage beyond repair in the 2019–20 bushfires, you may be eligible for council rates relief from your local council.

Financial counselling

The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) can assist with reviewing your financial situation, identifying the right assistance, helping with applications, re-evaluating business goals and developing a fire recovery plan.

Call 1800 686 175 to be referred to your nearest RFCS office.

Financial difficulty

If you’ve lost your business or can’t work in your business due to the fires, or you’re a primary producer who has been impacted, contact your financial providers as soon as possible to let them know your situation.

If you believe your situation is not being given genuine consideration, contact AFCA for help.

Financial institutions

Various banks are providing help for bushfire-affected individuals through a range of financial assistance packages, deferred loans, waived fees and charges, grants and relief. Contact your bank's helpline for more information on the options available to you.

ANZ Bank – 1800 252 845
Commonwealth Bank Hardship – 1300 720 814
National Australia Bank Care – 1800 701 599
St George Bank Assist – 1800 629 795
Summerland Credit Union – 1300 802 222
Newcastle Permanent – 13 19 87
Regional Australia Bank Hardship – 13 20 67
Bank of Queensland – 1800 079 866
Westpac Assist – 1800 067 497
Southern Cross Credit Union – 1300 360 744.

Payroll tax

All wages paid or payable to the following employees are exempt from payroll tax:

volunteer firefighters

emergency responders (SES).

For more information, visit Revenue NSW or call 1300 139 815.

Planning Reform Fund and BASIX Certificate fees

Planning Reform Fund and BASIX Certificate fees will be waived on all development applications related to homes damaged or destroyed in the recent bushfires.

Fire-affected property owners can also arrange for a BASIX Certificate to be issued free of charge.

For more information, visit the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.

SafeWork

SafeWork is offering rebates to small businesses and sole traders who buy and install equipment that makes their workplace safer.

For more information visit SafeWork NSW.