Last week, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced the banks have agreed to launch special hotlines to help businesses access emergency finance to pay their employees before they receive the first JobKeeper payments in May.
Since the Treasurer’s address, these JobKeeper hotlines are now live:
- ANZ: 1800 571 123
- Bank of Melbourne: 1300 784 873
- Bank SA: 1300 669 472
- BOQ: 1300 55 72 72
- CommBank: 13 26 07
- NAB: 1800 JOBKEEPER (1800 562 533)
- St.George: 1300 730 196
- Suncorp Bank: 13 11 55 (then select 1, 3, 3, 1)
- Westpac: 1300 731 073
Confirming that the banks are stepping up their efforts in other ways, too, ABA CEO Anna Bligh said late last week: “Banks are bolstering their efforts to fast-track any outstanding applications from businesses seeking funding to help them pay staff until the Jobkeeper supplement is paid in May.”
She noted that the banks are also fast-tracking efforts to streamline assessments with the ATO that confirm JobKeeper eligibility. Moreover, the industry is offering a range of support to small businesses affected by COVID-19, including six-month deferrals on loans attached to the business, extensions of existing lines of credit and a waiver of the fees and charges.
Speaking to media last week, the Treasurer encouraged businesses to get in touch with their bank.
“If you are a business or a not-for-profit operation that is eligible for the JobKeeper payment, as required, you need to pay your staff ahead of receiving the money from the Tax Office.
“Go to your bank, ring their hotline, ask for that support, and that support will be forthcoming.”
