THE peak organisation representing NSW businesses has welcomed the federal government's second coronavirus stimulus package, announced on Sunday.
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A $189 billion package will help business owners to keep paying their staff's wages through the coronavirus crisis that Prime Minister Scott Morrison said could last another six months.
Transfers of up to $50,000 to eligible small and medium businesses will be available within weeks, with another $50,000 available in the new financial year.
And bank loans of up to $250,000 will also be available with a six-month repayment-free period.
The package also includes beefed-up social security payments for workers stood down from their jobs and a relaxation of some rules surrounding the early access of superannuation.
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Business NSW western region manager Vicki Seccombe said the welcome stimulus was further indication of the severe economic impact the coronavirus was having on business owners and workers.
"This will provide some comfort during these challenging times when business owners are thinking primarily about their capacity to pay their staff, their rent and their existing suppliers," Ms Seccombe said.
"It also re-enforces the long prosecuted view from Business NSW that business owners need to be supplied with a voucher to receive proper financial advice during this time - otherwise they could be making critical financial decisions without careful considered advice.
"This also has an added benefit in that it supports another local business in western NSW."
Ms Seccombe welcomed the announcement of wage subsidies for businesses that employ an apprentice or trainee but said there was also a need to look at industry-specific rescue packages for the hardest-hit sectors of the economy.
"Business NSW is also calling on all local councils to do their part by waiving or deferring rates for small businesses for the next six months to support these important rate payers through the economic crisis," she said.
"This is also about preparing businesses for the recovery when it eventually comes - being in a position to resume as close to normal business operations as quickly as possible."