NSW Budget 2020 – 2021 | How does the NSW “Out and about” Program work?

by | Nov 23, 2020 | Articles, Updates

In an attempt to kick-start the NSW economy, the Treasurer Dominic Perrottet announced as part of the 2020-21 Budget an “Out and About” program. This is an injection of nearly half a billion dollars to stimulate spending in the local economy.

Restaurants, entertainment venues, visitor sites and cultural venues have been badly affected by Covid-19, especially in the Sydney CBD and other major centres in NSW. Many businesses in these sectors have closed temporarily and had to lay off their staff because of restrictions on the number of patrons they can host. Others have bravely persevered and attempted novel ways of staying alive, for example major restaurants offering delivery of take-out food.

However, the fact remains these industries have been hit hard by the pandemic and need support to boost jobs and encourage consumer consumption.

Out and About is a stimulus package to encourage people to reconnect with the hospitality, entertainment, arts, cultural and tourism sectors. Every adult resident in NSW will receive $100 worth of vouchers to contribute to the cost of eating and going out in NSW.

The NSW Government has just released some details of how to register for your Out and About voucher following the announcement in the NSW Budget yesterday.

Main points to note:

  1. You will need a MyServiceNSW account to apply
  2. Vouchers will become available early 2021 but early registration possible
  3. In total there will be four $25 vouchers
  4. Two vouchers of $25 each will be provided for dining and another two $25 vouchers will be provided for “going out” (e.g. to cinemas, performing arts, etc). A total spending contribution by the NSW Government of $100
  5. Vouchers cannot be used for gambling, buying tobacco or alcohol
  6. Vouchers can be used at “participating and COVID-safe businesses”. Further details to be provided on this
  7. Businesses are able to part of the scheme (further details to be provided)

This is all very good news for NSW residents and affected businesses, and combined with plans to bring back the nightlife “mojo” of the Sydney CBD it should be a welcome contribution from the 2020-21 budget.

That said, one other thing is to be wary of possible scams in connection with the issue of these vouchers such as fake text message and emails.

More information can be found in the link below. 

Information on Out and About Vouchers

 
Should you have any questions, contact your Bentleys Newcastle advisor.