The $1,500 rebate scheme will help tens of thousands of businesses pay for NSW and local government fees and charges. Under the scheme, small businesses, sole traders and non-profit organisations can apply to be reimbursed up to $1500 for NSW and local government fees and charges that are related to the cost of doing business. These include:
- Food authority licences
- Liquor licences
- Tradesperson licences
- Event fees
- Council rates
- Business vehicle registration fees
The scheme cannot be used for fees and charges specifically excluded under policy guidelines, such as fines and penalties, and is only available for those charges and fees that are due and paid after 1 March 2021.
Since the scheme launched, 107,257 small businesses have registered and 95,749 claims have been paid, returning $61.375 million to NSW small businesses.
$472 million has been budgeted for this rebate scheme over FY 2020/21 and FY 2021/22. The program is available via Service NSW and will run until 30 June 2022.