The ACT government will move to waive payroll tax on the federal government's JobKeeper payments.
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It's part of a new package of proposed laws to be introduced to the ACT Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
The government's second emergency bill would temporarily amend 36 pieces of legislation that have been identified as "crucial and urgent" to support the ACT's operational response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Most amendments would be implemented immediately to support Canberrans during the ongoing public health emergency, the government said.
Some other amendments would only commence by notification through a relevant Minister.
The bill, to be introduced to the Assembly on Thursday, would change payroll tax arrangements to exempt $1500 fortnightly payments from the federal government's JobKeeper program.
There will also be provisions to provide a "consistent set of powers" across tax types to provide relief for household and businesses through rebates, exemptions and deferrals.
People will also be able to sign and witness certain document electronically where previously face to face witnessing and signatures were required.
The bill would allow incorporated associations to hold electronic meetings and conduct proxy voting.
Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said the government had already created and saved hundreds of jobs through its stimulus packages.
"Our second emergency bill includes changes to payroll tax to exempt wages from the Commonwealth jobs keeper program to support local businesses hard hit by the pandemic," he said.
"Were also ensuring businesses are able to conduct meetings electronically where previous face to face meetings were required to ensure they remain flexible during this time.
"We will continue to take swift action to support jobs, local businesses and our Canberra community throughout this period."
The government will also introduce separate legislation targeting elder abuse.
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Mr Ramsay said the reforms would mean the ACT was the first jurisdiction to create specific criminal offences for abusive conduct of vulnerable people that resulted in psychological or financial harm.
"We will also ensure that institutions which care for vulnerable people, and those in a position to intervene to protect a vulnerable person, will commit an offence if they fail to protect the vulnerable person," he said.
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or the federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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