News

Temporary relief for financially distressed businesses The Australian Government is temporarily increasing 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. The package also includes temporary relief for directors from any personal liability for trading while insolvent, and provides …

By Damien Griffante, Policy Manager – Market Access It is commonly understood that when consumers head to their local wine stores, they will often have a brand in mind they are looking to purchase. This is because they know their favourite wine and they trust its reputation for quality, safety and value, or they may …

Minister Littleproud extends Agriculture Visas The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture announced the extension of visas for critical agricultural workers, in response to calls from industry. Key details of this announcement are: Seasonal Worker Program and Pacific Labour Scheme workers can extend their stay for up to 12 months to work for approved …

Essential Industry We have spent a lot of time this week trying to lock the grape and wine sector in as an Essential Industry that needs to keep running during the COVID-19 crisis. We have had good support at the Federal level, with the Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud, supporting this …

As COVID-19 shuts down industries across the country, Australia’s grape and wine sector is very fortunate to be recognised as an essential industry by the Australian Government. This recognition allows businesses to assemble the people they need to harvest, transport and crush the grapes that will make vintage 2020. However, without clear and well-implemented protocols …

Australian Government Today the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Simon Birmingham, announced the Federal Government will inject an extra $49.8 million into the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program in the 2019-20 financial year, allowing exporters and tourism businesses to receive additional reimbursements for costs incurred in marketing their products and services around the world. Minister …

As the COVID-19 crisis escalates, the business landscape continues to change on a daily basis, with new survival measures for businesses, and further restrictions to the sale of alcohol, being announced overnight. Australian Grape & Wine continues to reaffirm to the Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud, that the Australian wine industry …

Australian governments met yesterday as the National Cabinet to take further action to slow the spread of coronavirus. The Cabinet noted that the increase in virus infections is slowing, and social distancing measures will be in place for at least six months. However, with over 3600 cases of COVID19 across Australia, we are still in early …

Latest COVID-19 Announcements as at 27 March 2020   SA Premier Media Release:$1B Stimulus Package to save SA jobs, businesses  More information on takeaway and home delivery liquor sales:NSW Liquor and gaming industries COVID-19 FAQ’s NSW Business Media Release:Further Payroll Tax Relief Will Help Business AWRI eBulliten as at 27 March 2020:Winery Sanitation and COVID-19 …

The Federal Government has announced that as of midnight tonight, in addition to those prohibitions announced earlier this week, the following activities and venues are also prohibited:  Food courts in shopping centres (delivery and takeaway can remain operational) Auction houses Real estate auctions and open house inspections Beauty therapy, tanning, waxing, nail salons, tattoo parlours …