This second stimulus package follows the $2 million Tourism Reliance Package to protect tourism businesses and jobs.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the government was actively considering even more options to support local businesses in the short-term and get Territorians spending more locally.

All measures will begin within approximately two weeks and money is expected to be spent within six months, he said.

$20 million Business Improvement Scheme

All eligible businesses will receive $10,000. If the recipient also wants to put in their own $10,000, they will then get an additional $10,000 from the Government. This creates a $30,000 grant (with business pitching in $10,000 of their own money). The upgrades and purchases have to be from another Territory business. This could include buying new equipment, new shop fit-outs and physical changes to attract customers.

$5 million Business Structural Adjustment package

This package will assist businesses who need to physically adjust to the 100 person rule or to establish or upgrade their online presence to adjust to changing behaviours of consumption. The Chief Minister has directed public servants to personally speak with affected local businesses. All businesses can apply, but the Department will be focusing on the hospitality sector first (such as restaurants). Terms and conditions and a hotline will be released soon.

$5 million Immediate Works Grants Package

This package reintroduces the Immediate Works Grant for incorporated not-for-profit and community organisations - including clubs - to undertake repairs, renovations and upgrades to their premises/facilities. Applicants can apply for grants of up to $50,000, which will then be matched dollar-for-dollar if the organisation also puts in their own $50,000. Up to $200,000 on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis for amounts above $100,000.

Freezing Government Fees and Charges and Electricity Prices

All Government fees and charges - including electricity, water and car registration will be frozen (no increase due to indexation) until July 1, 2021. Electricity prices for small and medium businesses (those paying regulated tariffs) will be frozen from July 1, 2020 (no increase due to indexation) until July 1, 2021.

$30 million Home Improvement Scheme

$6000 grant for Territory homeowners and landlords who also contribute $2000, and a $4000 grant with a $1000 contribution.

Tourism

We are supporting our local tourism, hospitality and retail operators by encouraging Territorians to get out and explore their own backyard, with a dedicated intra-Territory campaign developed by local creatives and rolled out via local media channels.

The Government will also boost investment into marketing to encourage tourism as an opportunity to help disperse visitors through the Territory over the coming months, motivating Australians to take a self-drive trip is a great way to experience our destination.

Package principles

In addition to the announced stimulus packages, the Government response to the coronavirus will operate, to the extent possible, under the following action principles:

Our focus is on jobs NOT cuts

Our approach is to work together with Territorians, the private sector, and Territory organisations - we cannot do this alone

Our financial support needs to be spent, not banked

Our public service will be responsive and flexible to requests for help

Our contracting and procurement decisions need to be fast and fair

Our employees will be encouraged to buy locally and holiday in the Territory

Our sponsorship of events that have been cancelled or deferred will still be used to support that organisation's work - as agreed/in negotiation with Government.

Our employees will be encouraged to cash out their recreational leave and spend money locally

We will work with the private sector and Territory organisations to encourage their continued contribution to our economic recovery. This includes encouraging:

Banks to be more flexible in their dealings with businesses, particularly in regards to loan repayments

Landlords to reduce or defer rent payments from businesses

The Federal Government to defer or cease FBT on entertainment

The private sector to be more flexible in their contract arrangements with each other

Local governments to undertake their own stimulus packages

Federal Government employees to buy in the NT and holiday in the NT

Federal Government employees to cash out their recreational leave and spend money locally

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said: "I will do whatever it takes to save jobs and protect Territorians from the impacts of the coronavirus.

"We are investing in our people and our Territory businesses through the Business Improvement Scheme. This scheme is assisting Territorians throughout the Coronavirus crisis and beyond.

"This spend is literally about jobs, not cuts. This is about saving people's jobs.

"We know we can't stop the virus and we can't stop the economic hit that's coming, but we can make sure we're still standing at the end.

"Cuts would kill our economy and kill jobs. Now would be the worst possible time to cut. That's why we won't go back to cuts.

"When times get tough, Territorians stick together.

"Right now we need to stick together and do everything possible to protect the economy and protect jobs."

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