Baseball Victoria, Author at Baseball Victoria

In accordance with the updated Victorian State Government easing of COVID-19 restrictions, Baseball Victoria confirms that as at 10:00 AM on Monday, 1 June 2020, the number of people allowed at a baseball activity will increase from 10 athletes to 20 athletes.

Further to the alternation of the shutdown timelines that enabled Baseball Victoria’s Return to Activity on Monday, 25 May 2020, these changes allow training to expand with additional athletes as all of the social distancing rules remain in effect.

On Friday, 29 May, Saturday, 30 May and Sunday, 31 May 2020, all clubs and members must adhere to the restrictions currently in place: there are to be no more than 10 athletes per group, plus two coaches. Any club found to be hosting groups larger than 10 athletes will be in breach of the applicable rules and will be dealt with under the Baseball Victoria By-Laws and Baseball Victoria Member Protection Policy.

Clubs will be provided with an updated Return to Activity/ Play Plan and on Monday, 1 June 2020 at 10:00 AM, the Club Templates for Training Attendance will be updated to allow for 20 athletes.

Clubs that Return to Activity, whom have not done so, must provide the Return to Activity Club Checklist before training commences.

Updated restrictions that go into effect on Monday, 1 June 2020 at 10:00 AM are as follows:

Training is extended to 20 athletes and two coaching staff per training session.
The use of clubrooms, changerooms, showers and covered batting cages are not allowed. The only indoor club facilities that may be used are toilets.
Clubs need to continue with the application of hygiene measures to return to on-field training.
- All clubs must adhere to the maximum of 20 athletes and two coaching staff per training group.
- There can be two groups of 20 athletes on the field, one in the diamond and one in the outfield with approximately 20 metres in between them.
- Each group may have 20 athletes with two coaching staff; the groups are able to swap positions on the field, but they must remain in the original groups of 20 athletes.
- Groundskeepers, parents and other club members may not be on the field during training, otherwise they will count toward the maximum number of people.
- All athletes and coaches must use hand sanitiser before, during and after training. Hand sanitiser must be reapplied every 20 minutes during training.
- Clubs will only have access to the field and toilets. Parents will be able to attend training with children in limited numbers while maintaining social distancing.
All training will be conducted so that there is no personal contact and appropriate space between participants.
All players, coaches and committee members need to register with SportsTG to Return to Activity. Click HERE for Winter Return to Activity Registration by club.
Non-essential baseball activity other than training in groups of up to 20 people is still restricted. Committee meetings and non-essential gatherings are not permitted.
We have prepared a list of frequently asked questions in relation to this kind of training. Click HERE for the list of frequently asked questions.

“Victorians have remained committed to flattening the curve and stopping the spread of COVID-19, and we appreciate the patience of our Victorian baseball community during this time,” Baseball Victoria CEO Kristie Middleton said. “We are pleased to confirm more easing of restrictions, however, we must remind all clubs and members that it is absolutely essential to follow all guidelines, including social distancing and personal hygiene measures. The health and wellbeing of our participants and greater community depends on our continued caution and social distancing in line with advice from government and health officials.”

Baseball Victoria will continue to review how long these training options will be available before we return to competition play, and we are working with the winter associations to establish how the winter season could be moved into shorter timeframes and what the associated costs would be.

Baseball Victoria will continue to monitor the situation and consult with State and Federal Governments and our state and territory counterparts to establish the safest strategy for returning to baseball play.

Members are reminded that to Return to Activity you must register – click HERE to select your club from the Baseball Victoria Website and complete your registration.

The Baseball Victoria COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions have been updated – click HERE to review the changes as they will apply from Monday, 1 June 2020 at 10:00 AM.

Baseball Victoria has also updated the Return to Activity/Play Plan to assist baseball clubs throughout this transition. Click HERE to view the guidelines and other club resources.

In addition, we have our Ramp Up to Play: Drills and Exercises Program on our website and BV TV YouTube channel to prepare athletes for a return to activity and play.

If you have any questions please contact Baseball Victoria, with full contact details available HERE.

As a reminder, the COVIDSafe app is now available and will allow authorities to quickly track and control the spread of COVID-19. Please consider downloading the app to help save lives, protect the community and get baseball back as soon as possible. Click HERE to learn more.

For up-to-date information on keeping your family safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website HERE.

All further updates from Baseball Victoria will be available on the Baseball Victoria website and will also be communicated by the Baseball Victoria social media channels.

Baseball Victoria has considered the federal update on the three-step framework for a COVID-Safe Australia as well as Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ announcements regarding the easing of restrictions across the state.

Baseball Victoria has worked diligently to obtain the necessary information from the Victorian Government and applicable authorities to move forward with organised baseball activity, and we are pleased to share the following changes:

We have altered our timeline for the shutdown of all baseball activity in accordance with the Victorian Government’s changes to restrictions. Previously scheduled to last through 31 May, our shutdown measures have been adjusted to allow for the recommencement of training at a baseball club with up to 10 athletes and two coaches, starting from 9:00 am on Monday, 25 May 2020.
These changes apply to on-field training only. Use of clubrooms, changerooms, showers and batting cages are not allowed. The only indoor club facilities that may be used are toilets.
Clubs will need to assist with hygiene measures to return to on-field training.
- All clubs must adhere to the maximum of 10 athletes and two coaching staff per training group.
- There can be two groups on the field, one in the diamond and one in the outfield with approximately 20 metres in between them. Each group may have 10 athletes with two coaching staff; however, the groups may not swap over at any time and need to remain in their section for the entire training session.
- Groundskeepers, parents and other club members may not be on the field during training, otherwise they will count toward the maximum number of people.
- All athletes and coaches must use hand sanitiser before, during and after training. Hand sanitiser must be reapplied every 20 minutes during training.
- Clubs will only have access to the field and toilets. Parents will be able to attend training with children in limited numbers while maintaining social distancing.
All training will be conducted so that there is no personal contact and appropriate space between participants.
All players, coaches and committee members will need to register with SportsTG to Return to Activity. Click HERE for Winter Return to Activity Registration by club.
Non-essential baseball activity other than training in groups of up to 10 people is still shut down until at least 31 May 2020. Committee meetings and non-essential small gatherings are not permitted.
Letters of Intent and Clearances/Transfers will recommence from 9:00 am on Monday, 25 May 2020.
We have prepared a list of frequently asked questions in relation to this kind of training. Click HERE for the list of frequently asked questions.

“Victorians have been working hard to stop the spread of COVID-19, and we understand this has been a challenging time for everyone, including our Victorian baseball community,” Baseball Victoria CEO Kristie Middleton said. “While we welcome a slight easing of restrictions, we must remain vigilant and follow all guidelines, including social distancing and personal hygiene measures.”

Baseball Victoria has prepared a Return to Activity/Play Plan to assist baseball clubs throughout this transition. Click HERE to view the guidelines and other club resources.

Baseball Victoria has also added a Ramp Up to Play: Drills and Exercises Program to our website and BV TV YouTube channel to prepare athletes for a return to activity and play.

Baseball Victoria will continue to monitor the situation and consult with State and Federal Governments, Baseball Australia and our state and territory counterparts to establish the safest strategy for returning to baseball play.

If you have any questions please contact Baseball Victoria, with full contact details available HERE.

For up-to-date information on keeping your family safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website HERE.

All further updates from Baseball Victoria will be available on the Baseball Victoria website and will also be communicated by the Baseball Victoria social media channels.

The Victorian Government announced $150 million in funding for sport, tourism and creative industries across the state.

The Experience Economy Survival Package unveiled today will support sporting clubs and competitions across the state – from grassroots to elite – as well as major tourist attractions, galleries, museums and the racing industry. This funding is designed to save jobs and ensure some of Victoria’s most beloved activities are accessible on the other side of the coronavirus pandemic.

Sport, tourism and arts generate nearly $70 billion to the Victorian economy and support hundreds of thousands of jobs, but they have been hit hard by measures to slow the spread of the virus and save lives.

The Experience Economy Survival Package will help these industries ride out the impacts of the pandemic and reboot, rebound and recover. There will be $40 million in funding for community sport and recreation bodies including state sporting associations, leagues and clubs, which will help as sports look to restart after the COVID-19 crisis.

This is welcome news for the Victorian Baseball community, with all baseball activity in the state shutdown since Tuesday, 17 March 2020.

“We are pleased to learn of the Victorian Government’s plans to boost funding for community sports in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Baseball Victoria CEO Kristie Middleton said. “We know this funding has the potential to make a difference for our clubs and associations during challenging times. We look forward to learning more in the coming days on how this funding can be used to support our return to activity.”

Baseball Victoria anticipates there will be funding for leagues, competitions and clubs. The Victorian Government is constructing funding guidelines and eligibility now, and this information will be communicated to all those eligible as it becomes available.

Click HERE for the full release from the Victorian Government.

Baseball Victoria has taken into consideration the federal update on the three-step framework for a COVID-Safe Australia announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison last Friday, as well as Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ announcements made on Monday, 11 May.

The key points in Baseball Victoria’s latest update are:

Under eased restrictions, outdoor activities in groups of up to 10 people will be allowed from 11:59pm on Tuesday, 12 May in Victoria.
There are still many questions that will need to be clarified and confirmed with the relevant authorities before we can safely return to baseball activities, including on-field training.
Baseball Victoria’s position remains the same – there is no current formal baseball activity. While we work with the government for clarification on creating the safest environment for returning to activity, all baseball activity remains closed.
Further information will be communicated to all associations, clubs and members when it becomes available, we expect updates in the coming days.

On Monday, 11 May, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that some coronavirus restrictions will be lifted from 11:59pm on Tuesday 12 May. Allowing outdoor activities to be held with groups of up to 10 people while still maintaining social distancing rules is the most relevant announcement relating to baseball. Clearly, this is a very positive move towards the return to baseball activity.

However, while some of the restrictions will be eased from 11:59pm on Tuesday 12 May, there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that we can get back on the field safely. Our discussions with our state and territory counterparts confirmed that each location is different, and we need to clarify and confirm how eased restrictions apply to baseball. One such example is whether coaches count towards the 10-person maximum, or whether that number applies to players only. Access to toilets and equipment or first aid at club facilities is another issue that needs to be addressed by authorities prior to our return to activity.

There are numerous details yet to be confirmed and finalised. We will now work with the relevant authorities to finalise these details and communicate the first draft of Baseball Victoria’s Return to Baseball Activity Guidelines.

We acknowledge the patience and commitment to flattening the curve as demonstrated by the Victorian Baseball community, and we know many of our members are excited about the prospect of returning to baseball activity. While we respect these sentiments, we must continue our careful planning and preparation to ensure we have all the relevant information. This will allow us to provide guidance on conducting baseball activities safely for all participants without breaking any applicable laws.

Baseball Victoria has met with winter associations and both winter and summer clubs this evening to discuss this update and our current plans for proceeding under eased restrictions. We will provide an update as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please contact Baseball Victoria, with full contact details available HERE.

For up-to-date information on keeping your family safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website HERE.

All further updates from Baseball Victoria will be available on the Baseball Victoria website and will also be communicated by the Baseball Victoria social media channels.

Following Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ announcement on changes to COVID-19 restrictions earlier today, Baseball Victoria is working to return to baseball activity and to ensure we are able to provide a safe environment for the baseball community. We are meeting with Winter Associations, Winter and Summer Clubs tomorrow (Tuesday, 12 May) and expect to have updated information from the state government to clarify important items, before updating all members on how you can return to baseball activity as soon as possible.

Baseball Victoria continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation while working with State and Federal Governments, Baseball Australia and our state and territory counterparts to create the safest strategy for getting back to baseball activity.

As the landscape continues to evolve across the states and territories, Baseball Victoria is working through the National Principles for the Resumption of Sport and Recreation Activities. These principles will set the precedent for the eventual return to community sports, and in order to safely return to activity, we must adhere to these principles along with the AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment. Currently in a draft framework, these principles will be approved in part or full by the Federal Government and then enacted by the States and Territories with additional requirements.

“Victoria has done a great job of staying home and social distancing, so thank you to our Victorian baseball community for doing your part. However, we cannot backtrack by returning to activity too soon without proper guidelines in place,” Baseball Victoria CEO Kristie Middleton said. “We want to return to baseball as soon as it’s safely possible, and that means we need to continue to be patient and our entire community needs to be willing to make adjustments. By accepting and embracing changes to maintain social distancing and personal hygiene, we can get our sport back up and running safely. The health and wellbeing of our members remains our top priority as we plan for the weeks and months ahead.”

A possible return to activity in the coming weeks would constitute small training groups of no more than 10 people including coaches and staff. All baseball activity will need to follow social distancing guidelines outlined by Baseball Victoria and the Victorian government. We will have more details on this timeline and the requirements for returning to activity soon, and we will provide updates accordingly.

Baseball Victoria continues to work with winter associations in establishing when we will be able to return to activity. Each association will decide on how they wish to return to activity and participate in the remaining time for the winter season.

Baseball Victoria also continues to communicate with VSBL clubs on the start of the 2020/21 summer season. We are in regular contact with Sport and Recreation Victoria, local councils and winter associations to determine when the summer season will start and when clubs will have access to summer baseball diamonds.

Baseball Victoria will confirm any adjustments to state and national fees for the winter and summer seasons as starting dates are confirmed.

We are also working to ensure all clubrooms and club facilities across both the winter and summer seasons are appropriately cleaned and that all fields are well-maintained during this time.

Please note we believe it will be unlikely that international travel will return in time for import players for the summer season, however any updates or confirmation of this will be made accordingly.

If you have any questions please contact Baseball Victoria, with full contact details available HERE.

The COVIDSafe app is now available and will allow authorities to quickly track and control the spread of COVID-19. Please consider downloading the app to help save lives, protect the community and get baseball back as soon as possible. Click HERE to learn more.

For up-to-date information on keeping your family safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website HERE.

All further updates from Baseball Victoria will be available on the Baseball Victoria website and will also be communicated by the Baseball Victoria social media channels.

Baseball is a beautiful family affair for father-son duo Kevin and Anthony Hemmerijckx.

The pair play at Newport Rams Baseball Club, where they’ve been welcomed with open arms since joining the sport not too long ago.

Anthony started playing a few years back, and he quickly fell in love with baseball and all the different positions he could try on the field. He’s had a go at catching, and he also plays first base, second base and outfield.

After coming down to his local club and giving baseball a try, he found that he couldn’t get enough. “I saw baseball as a new opportunity and an interesting sport, something that I could get good at,” Anthony said. “Newport is a family-friendly club. We enjoyed it our first year and we stayed.”

Anthony has had an awesome time with the Rams, especially in the 2019/20 VSBL season as he won the U16 Metro West Grand Final with his teammates. It’s safe to say he succeeded in his goals for the season, and he has his sights set on continuing this success in the years to come. “I want to break into the higher levels of the senior team,” Anthony said. “I want to train hard, practice, get better at things and learn from other people.”

Although he started playing a bit later than some of his friends, Anthony recognises that Newport offers a warm and welcoming environment where everyone is involved, including beginners. “The coaches are nice and it’s a pretty good club,” Anthony said. “When I first started, I couldn’t really do anything but as time went on, I got better at both aspects of the game, including new positions. Knowing more positions makes me a more versatile player, and I have more opportunities to play out in the field if someone is out.”

Anthony can't get baseball off his brain, especially as his journey has even taken him overseas, getting to play in the U.S. with more experienced players. He hopes to pursue a bright future in baseball and encourage others to take up the sport too. “It’s a very good sport, it’s fun to play,” Anthony said. “Although it may seem hard at first, once you start playing you will enjoy it quite a lot. I keep getting better every day, and every time I train, I find something to work on back home.”

Despite a later start, Anthony has quickly caught up and even had the chance to play alongside his father Kevin in the VSBL Division 1 Thirds this past season. Kevin plays second base and outfield for Newport as he embraces an exciting activity he can share with Anthony.

While many kids join baseball to follow in their father’s footsteps, the opposite is true for this pair.

“I got involved because of my son,” Kevin said. “He started playing baseball and I was there all the time. I thought I might as well do some exercise and learn a new sport, so I got into it that way.”

After starting baseball at 46 years old, Kevin has quickly caught on. “It’s a unique sport, it’s kind of stop and go, and when there’s action there’s a lot of action,” Kevin said. “I’ve been getting used to that rhythm and working on understanding the language. The club is getting used to me always asking what does that mean!”

Over the past two seasons Kevin has noticed big improvements, learning how to throw the ball properly and also how to move out of the way and avoid getting hit by pitch. It’s all about fun and friendship for Kevin, who wants to continue developing his skills and helping the younger players get their heads in the game too.

He knows he and his son are in the right place. “I think for Newport Baseball Club it’s all about the culture and being together,” Kevin said. “It’s one big group of people trying to better the sport and help each other. It’s all about teaching. ”

The avid Chicago Cubs fan absolutely loves the sport and looks forward to a lot more fun in the future. “I really enjoy watching the young kids play and see how they get better,” Kevin said. “I hope everyone plays their hardest to be successful on and off the diamond.”

He aim to keep boosting his batting and fitness levels in the years to come. “There’s a fair bit of physical exercise involved in it, a lot of running and throwing exercises,” Kevin said. “It’s a team sport with a bit of banter and fun, which is what attracted me to it."

Kevin and Anthony both hope to see others take up baseball. “Give it a go, I mean I’m really the poster child for it, starting when I was 46,” Kevin said. “Find a good club where people will take the time to teach you the game and all the details along with it. Newport really is a community club with good comradery and culture.”

Springvale Lions Baseball Club celebrated a seventh Women’s Division 1 premiership in eight years to wrap up the 2019/20 VSBL season on a high note.

The Lions won 9-7 over Doncaster on Women’s Super Saturday, securing the club’s 12th Women’s Division 1 championship. Springvale's women’s program continues to go from strength to strength, with a core group of leaders and supporters including head coach and Australian Emeralds player Shae Lillywhite.

Reflecting on this sweet victory, Shae couldn’t be prouder of her team and their determination to promote women’s baseball year in and year out. “It was a very special and proud moment for the club and the people that have been involved along the way,” Shae said. “To see and be part of this team’s continued success and growth with the program is very rewarding. A lot of time, effort and planning goes into a season every year for it to not only be successful, but sustainable.”

Springvale entered the Grand Final with a few more victories than Doncaster, but they needed to band together and put on a winning performance. “We knew it was going to be a tough, hard-fought game as most of our games are against Doncaster,” Shae said. “We needed to be ready to take any opportunities that they gave us. Doncaster can overrun you very quickly with their hitting lineup, so the goal was to try to hold our nerve defensively and put runs on the board early to give our pitchers a bit of room to move.”

The Lions had an early 9-1 lead but Doncaster battled back in the later stages to come within two, although Springvale held on for the win. Shae thinks it’s a worthwhile challenge for the Lions to face tough, seasoned competitors like Doncaster every season. “They will always fight to the end as they are a good team, and that pressure is something I look forward to with Doncaster,” Shae said.

While Shae had her fair share of offensive contributions in the Grand Final, she’s most excited that some of the younger players had the chance to step up and shine in a high-pressure situation. “The whole team contributed, and I was proud of our hitting performance, especially our young stars Lili Cavanagh and Hanami Campitelli,” Shae said. “Siobhan Stephenson and Sinead Flanigan also picked up some big hits for us in clutch situations.”

The Lions were sad to lose import Ayumi Ikeyama to an ACL injury the first week of finals, but veterans like Hannah Jackson filled the void and performed well in the finals too. Shae says the all-around team success comes down to never-ending support and encouragement from the Springvale baseball community. “We have a great group of people who care about the players’ wellbeing and try to create a culture that’s inviting to be around,” Shae said. “We love to teach whoever wants to be taught more about the game and it’s important to have them playing in the right divisions for them to succeed.”

Springvale continues to field three teams for Women’s Division 1, 2 and 3, giving players of all levels the chance to develop their skills and fall in love with the game. It’s worked well for Springvale thus far and is something the club will continue to aim for in the future. “Having three teams is vital to the success of the club and has been for a number of years,” Shae said. “The leaders and veterans hold each team together very well and the twos did a fantastic job getting there this year.”

Looking forward to the next season, Shae hopes to see the Lions continue their dominance. “We will regroup leading into the next season with preseason planning to see how our numbers are fairing and work out coaching staff,” Shae said. “We will start communication with the players as to their commitment situation and individual goals, and then the rest is just hard work at training and making sure people get what they need from the staff.”

While Shae hopes some time off will give the women a chance to come back stronger and refreshed, she will remain proud of everything they accomplished in the grand final and this season as a whole. “Definitely a few moments stand out for me, one being Hannah Jackson’s catch at left field that I think saved the game,” Shae recalled. “Also, Kellie Manzie closing on the mound, after taking that role on for me many times this season. I knew she could and she did.”

Shae’s never-ending passion for the game is something she wants to keep sharing with other players as she helps them get better. She credits the support of Simone Wearne, Mandi Avent, Siobhan Stephenson and Jess Adkins for making their strong season a reality, as well as all the friends, families and club members. “It was a wonderful team effort this year with our group of talented young players mixed with the veterans still leading the way,” Shae said. “The future looks bright for the kids as they are surrounded by committed passionate players who love to play.“

This resource provides a summary of the support that may be accessible to the baseball community over the coming months via various government agencies.

The information provided may not be exhaustive but is current as of the date of publication (27 March 2020).

For up-to-date information from the Department of Health and Human Services and Victorian State Government, click HERE.
For up-to-date information from VicHealth, click HERE.
For updates from Vicsport, click HERE.
Baseball Victoria’s information and updates are located HERE.

FOR CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS – NATIONALLY

Cash for clubs who employ staff

Eligibility:
1. employ staff and withhold tax on wages
2. businesses with a turnover of less than $50M – includes Not-For-Profits
3. active employers prior to March 12.
Businesses can receive two payments of a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $50,000 from April 28.
More details can be found on the Australian Treasury website HERE.
Included in the above fact sheet are details about how apprentices (such as apprentice greenkeepers) can get a 50% wage subsidy for nine months, up to $21,000 in total.

Temporary relief for financially distressed businesses

There is a temporary increase in the threshold (from $2,000 to $20,000) at which creditors can issue a statutory demand on a business and the time companies have to respond to statutory demands they receive (from 21 days to six months).
There is temporary relief for directors from any personal liability for businesses trading while insolvent – this will apply for six months.
More details can be found HERE.

Loan guarantee scheme & relaxation of lending

Eligibility:
1. Businesses with a turnover of less than $50M – includes Not-For-Profits.
2. The government will provide a guarantee of 50% for new unsecured loans to be used for working capital.
3. Loans of up to $250,000 for up to three years, with a pause on repayments for six months – to commence by early April.
More details from the Australian Treasury can be found HERE.
The Government is also providing an exemption from responsible lending obligations for lenders providing credit to existing small business customers. This exemption is for six months, and applies to any credit for business purposes, including new credit, credit limit increases and credit variations and restructures.

AGMs may be postponed - situations vary between state/territory jurisdictions and will depend on the incorporation of the business

Where Clubs/Associations are registered as Companies, ASIC has determined that AGMs can be postponed for two months where AGMs due to be held by May 31, 2020.
1. It is expected that ASIC will provide further updates for businesses with March, April, May or June year end dates in coming months.
2. More details can be found HERE.
Where Clubs/Associations are incorporated as Associations, the rules with respect to AGMs are determined by the relevant state/territory trading or consumer affairs department:
1. VIC - Consumer Affairs Victoria - Associations can apply for an extension of time if it cannot hold its AGM within five months after the end of its financial year. This is done by lodging a form which can be found HERE.
Clubs/Associations may also choose to run their AGMs remotely via the use of technology if their Constitution allows – Not-For-Profit Law are conducting a webinar surrounding the idea of postponing or remotely holding an AGM . Please click HERE.

FOR EMPLOYEES & PARTICIPANTS – NATIONALLY

Payments to support households

The Government is providing two separate $750 payments to social security, veteran, other income support recipients (including those who receive Family Tax Benefits) and eligible concession card holders. The first payment will be made from 31 March 2020 and the second payment will be made from 13 July 2020. Around half of those who benefit are pensioners.
More details can be found on the Australian Treasury website HERE.

Income support for individuals

For new and existing recipients of JobSeeker Payments (which replaced Newstart Allowance and a number of other payments from 20 March 2020), Parenting Payment, Youth Allowance for jobseekers, Youth Allowance for students, Austudy, Abstudy, Farm Household Allowance, and Special Benefit. The supplement will be paid for six months and almost doubles the maximum payment rate for a JobSeeker Payment recipient.
A $550 per fortnight payment will commence on 27 April 2020 and continue for six months.
More details can be found on the Australian Treasury website HERE.

Early access to superannuation

Eligibility – if after 1 January 2020:
1. you were made redundant; or
2. your working hours were reduced by 20 per cent or more; or
3. if you are a sole trader — your business was suspended or there was a reduction in your turnover of 20 per cent or more.
Eligible individuals will be able to apply to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation before July 1, 2020. They will also be able to access up to a further $10,000 from July 2, 2020 for approximately three months
More details can be found HERE.

Temporarily reducing minimum superannuation drawdowns and social security deeming rates

There are temporary reductions on superannuation minimum drawdown requirements for account-based pensions and similar products by 50% for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 income years.
The Government is also reducing both the upper and lower social security deeming rates by a further 0.25 percentage points in addition to the 0.5 percentage point reduction to both rates announced on 12 March 2020.
More details can be found on the Australian Treasury website HERE.

FOR CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS – VICTORIA

Payroll tax waived

Businesses with annual taxable wages up to $3M will have their payroll tax for the 2019-2020 financial year waived. Eligible businesses must continue to lodge returns but do not need to make further payments for this financial year. Businesses will also be eligible to defer any payroll tax liability for the first three months of the 2020-21 financial year until 1 January 2021.

Liquor licence fees waived

Businesses that have paid for a renewable liquor licence for 2020 will be reimbursed their licence fee and those yet to pay will have the fee waived.

Land tax deferral

Land-owners due to pay 2020 land tax that have at least one non-residential property and total taxable landholdings below $1M have the option of deferring their 2020 land tax payment until after 31 December 2020.

Business Support Fund

$500 million has been announced to support “hard hit” sectors including hospitality, tourism, accommodation, arts and entertainment, and retail. More details to follow.

Please note that all of the advice is current as at 27 March 2020 and economic support packages from all levels of governments are expected to be expanded over the coming weeks and months.

The information on this website is presented by Baseball Victoria for the purpose of improving our members access to information related to COVID-19.

Baseball Victoria monitors the quality of the information available on this website and updates the information regularly. However, Baseball Victoria does not make any representation or warranty about the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any material contained on this website or on any linked site.