First Super understands that the impact of Coronavirus may be creating new challenges that many of our members may never have experienced before. To support our members, First Super has provided useful information, support and resources to help you manage your financial wellbeing during the Coronavirus health crisis.

There have recently been changes made to clause 12.3 in the Timber Industry Award 2010, regarding right to request casual conversion.

This is a replacement clause, that overrides the previous clause 12.3, and will come into effect as of the 1st May 2020.

Managing your workers insurance during COVID-19

COVID-19 help for small businesses

Service NSW is here to help businesses impacted by COVID-19. We’re working with federal, state and local government and the private sector to bring together all the support and services available to assist small business.

Safe Work Australia has published new information and resources on COVID-19 and work health and safety.

The ATO has prepared a range of resources to tradies during this difficult period.

Today, employer and union groups have made an urgent consent application to the Fair Work Commission that will make temporary amendments to the Clerks - Private Sector Award 2010 in response to the crisis facing Australian business in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government is supporting small businesses to retain their apprentices and trainees. Eligible employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of the apprentice’s or trainee’s wage for 9 months from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020. Where a small business is not able to retain an apprentice, the subsidy will be available to a new employer. The wage subsidy will be claimable for wages paid since 1 January 2020.

At the AWISA Ltd board meeting on Friday 6 March the decision was made to postpone the AWISA exhibition planned for 1-4 July 2020.

This decision has not been taken lightly. It is not a panicked or hysterical reaction, but a business-like reaction to what is actually happening in other parts of the world, and to what is highly likely to happen in Australia.

Under the plan, NSW’s workers will be better protected by the introduction of on-thespot fines for those who engage in unsafe dry-cutting practices, the creation of a Silicosis Health Register and the introduction of a new workplace exposure standard from 1 July this year.